And there was no marked improvement in export demand.

Despite lower yardings across the southern states, the steady flow of young cattle continued to drive the eastern young cattle indicator (EYCI) lower, falling 3¢/kg on last week's, to 308.5¢/kg cwt.

A return to a full week of sales saw the Queensland market fall across most categories, with significant falls for trade and feeder cattle, as buyer demand waned.

In contrast to cattle, again heavy lamb and mutton prices surged higher again this week, as numbers tightened, especially across southern markets.

A sharp fall in lamb yardings in Victoria and SA, down 26pc and 25pc, respectively, contributed to an 11pc national decline in numbers, despite NSW offerings increasing 8pc.

The heavier categories benefited the most from the reduced numbers.

With the ever tightening supply of heavy lambs, prices rose again, by 8¢ on last week's, to 463¢/kg cwt.

That's now 114¢/kg above heavy lamb prices at the same time last year.

Mutton prices continue to push into unchartered territory, up 5¢ this week, to a record 253¢/kg cwt, with concern rising about numbers going forward.