The Japan ox and the US cow indicators, however, have both lifted 3¢/kg so far this week, to finish at 191¢ and 141¢/kg respectively.

Across the eastern states, the trade steer indicator also gained 2¢/kg on last week’s, at 196¢/kg, while the feeder steer lifted 1¢/kg, to 183¢/kg.

Cattle prices generally lifted again at this week’s Toowomba, Qld, sale, especially for feeder and restocker classes.

Meat and livestock Australia (MLA) reports that heavyweight steers averaged 9¢/kg dearer, with their indicator lifting to 190¢/kg.

Cows made gains of 5¢/kg.

Numbers yarded remained virtually unchanged at both Toowoomba sales, but there was a shorter supply of grown cattle, and increased numbers of young classes.

At Tamworth, NSW, MLA says generally the young cattle market was 5¢/kg dearer, although some of the lesser quality cattle saw some easing in values.

The continued decline in the $A, combined with reduced supply, saw all classes of export cattle sell to a dearer trend, with grown steers, cows and bulls 5-10¢/kg more.

At Wagga farther south in NSW, quality across all grades was good to mixed, with numbers yarded, steady on last week’s sale.

As a result, the young cattle market was mixed, with good vealers dearer and yearlings cheaper.

The mixed selection of grown steers was firm to 1¢/kg dearer. Medium D3 cows sold for 6¢/kg cheaper.