BIG numbers took the gloss off prices during a soft second week for the weaner calf sales.

The sales, at which more than 60,000 calves have been offered at centres across the Western District, the North East and South Australia's South East, are drawing to a close.

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Values have varied from district to district and have even swayed within the same centre, depending on whether various buyers were there.

In the past week, big orders from private operators such as South Australia's Ogilvie family and Sundown Pastoral Company in northern NSW were underpinned by fellow grazier support from Gippsland and across NSW.

Processors T&R Pastoral and JBS Swift also took their share of heavier calves, as well as older steers.

But many producers were also left disappointed, with support for mid-weight calves lacking at many centres.

Vendor Harold Cocking, of Mickleham, sold Angus steers to a top of $770 at Yea last week and described the market as flat but "dear enough". "The first laneway of Angus steers here today was just really flat, but I suppose everybody has got to try and make a margin," Mr Cocking said.

"Overall we are only $30 to $40 a head down on last year.

"As a breeder I shouldn't be saying this, but if I was buying I would say that these prices are still dear enough."

Colac's market on Monday was also down, with agents quoting prices back 5-10c/kg on Western District sales the previous week.

Mark Jacob of Dreeite sold 398kg steers for 215c/kg on Monday, or $835. Last year, his best pen of slightly heavier steers weighing 417kg made 229c/kg, or $955.

He said the lower prices had capped off a tough year after low rainfall in the area.

HF Richardson's Will Richardson said despite a cheaper trend at Colac's sale, some pens still sold well.

"We just didn't have enough cattle with weight to attract competition from those buyers (processors and major feedlots)," Mr Richardson said.