In the first of a double-header series of sales, which will offer more than 5300 head at the northeast Victorian market this week, prices for steers varied from $30-$60 a head higher, while heifer sales surged $20 dearer.

A hint of a general rain that was spreading across the across the state from the west at the time inspired interest from South Australia, Tasmania and parts of Gippsland and the Western District, but local northeast buyers mainly kept these potential players out of the market with their much stronger demand.

Albury Wodonga associated agents offered their full compliment of 2000 head that was advertised, while a further 3300 head will go under the hammer today.