STORE cattle prices lifted by 5-10c/kg on steers and heifers at Warrnambool yesterday.
Feedlot buyers generally outbid local and South Australian restockers, pushing prices slightly higher than recent markets such as Ballarat.
Saffin Kerr Bowen and Wilson agent Phil Keane said heavy steers were up 5-8c/kg on the previous Warrnambool market.
Steers in the 320-420kg weight bracket made 190-215c/kg.
Medium weight weighed steers were up by about 12c/kg, he said, and in the open auction pens, $30-$40 a head dearer.
Heifers fetched 180-185c/kg, which was also up 4-6c/kg, and lighter steers were up from 187c/kg at best last month, to 202c/kg at best.
The yarding of 1300 cattle attracted prices that were too strong for many hopeful restockers who went home empty-handed.
Volume buyers included Steve Rennie, Elders Charlton.
He bought 120 steers, weighing 320-340kg for 190-215c/kg and 200 heifers, weighing 260-340kg, for 185-200c/kg.
Both sexes will be backgrounded for feedlots, Mr Rennie said.
