Nationally, grown steers have sold to a mixed trend, with prices in the north following a dearer trend across the heavyweights and bullocks, while southern markets were generally firm for medium weights and bullocks, and mixed for heavyweights.

Meat and Livestock Australia reports that compared grown steer numbers decreased by 25pc in saleyards last week, and accounted for just 10pc of national yardings.

Quality was mixed, with limited numbers of good lines offered.

In turn, MLA says competition for the heavyweight young milk and two-tooth steers was very strong.

Nationally, the Japan ox indicator increased 3¢/kg on the previous week to stand at 183¢/kg (live).

In Queensland and NSW, both the C3 and C4 heavyweights purchased by processors realised dearer prices.

In Queensland, the C3s last week ranged between 148¢/kg and 184¢/kg, lifting 2¢/kg on the previous week to average 161¢/kg, while the C3s in NSW lifted 6¢ to average 181¢/kg.

The limited number of good quality C4 heavyweights in Queensland gained 7¢/kg to range between 159¢/kg and 185¢/kg and also increased 5¢/kg in NSW to range between 154¢/kg and 199¢/kg.

The limited C4 bullocks in Queensland increased 11¢/kg, averaging 176¢/kg.

In Victoria, prices for the medium C3s remained firm on last week, and ranged between 146¢/kg and 195¢/kg.

Heavyweight C3s on the other hand gained 4¢ in Victoria to average 185¢/kg, while dropping 2¢/kg in SA to average 183¢/kg.

In SA, grown steers sold to a weaker trend, as the operating SA and Victorian processors generally lowered their prices.

Bullocks in Victoria also sold firm on last week to range between 161¢/kg and 189¢/kg.