A total of 3,340 steers were offered on Thursday, after agents spilt the one-day sale into two days at the last moment, when a total of 6,200 cattle came forward for the sale.

In view of the searing conditions, the heifers will be sold today (Friday), with agents acting to reduce a potentially crowded yarding to protect animal welfare, health and safety.

Demand for the steers exceeded expectations.

Prices lifted higher than at last week’s Wodonga sale.

They were in line with Western District sales last week.

SA and Victorian buyers nudged out northern and interstate buyers time and time again during the day.

Indeed, interstate buyers came away with only two loads, such was the strength of local bidding.

Local buyers paid 160-197c/kg, with and average of 172c/kg for the main run of weaner steers, to ward off the interstate competition.

Pens of steers with plenty of weight (300-370kg) ranged from $550-$660/head, most 9-12 months, predominantly Angus, Angus-Simmental and Hereford breeding.

A heavier Red Angus-Simmental pen topped the day at $735/head.

The strong store demand contrasts with the weaker market for slaughter cattle in the heartwave, with slaughter prices easing 10-15c/kg, even 20c/kg in some instances, due to the bigger turn-off.

Some producers have been forced to offload slaughter cattle earlier than planned, and meatworks have been restricted by more difficult export markets arising from the world financial crisis.