Despite some patchy rain, turnoff rose in both Queensland and NSW, pushing national yardings 12Ppc above last year's.

Falls would have been greater if not for rises in Queensland prices, although these look likely to prove temporary, unless widespread rains are received over coming weeks.

All national cattle indicators eased between 2¢ and 4¢/kg lwt this week.

The main factors impacting sales continue to be the high $A, weak processor demand and seasonal conditions.

The high $A has largely impacted grown cattle prices, but this has also flowed on to all other categories. The deteriorating seasonal conditions across many regions have resulted in producers offloading stock.

At the completion of Thursday’s markets, the EYCI was down 4.5¢/kg on last week's. to 300.25¢/kg cwt - the lowest point since February.

Nationally, yearling steers fell 4¢ to 164¢/kg and vealer steers eased 1¢ to 177¢/kg lwt. Feeders also lost 4¢ to 160¢/kg.

The only indicator close to year-ago levels was that of the vealer steer category, with the other indicators currently down between 4pc and 14pc year-on-year.

Despite the negative factors in the market, grown cattle held on surprisingly well this week. Japan ox and cows eased 2¢ and 3¢ to 160¢/kg and 116¢/kg, respectively.

Lamb price steady:

There was little change in finished trade and heavy lamb prices this week, with the market appearing to have reached its seasonal low, at around 380-390¢/kg cwt.

Eastern states trade lamb (18-22kg cwt) prices have fallen 16pc across MLA’s NLRS reported markets since the peak registered in June.

Prices, however, remain historically high, despite 2009 monthly yardings exceeding the five year average.

Average monthly prices in 2009 for trade lambs peaked at 499¢/kg in June and during October recorded an average price of 418¢/kg cwt.