According to Meat and Livestock Australia, NSW last week yarded 10 per cent more yearling steers than the previous week, as the cooler conditions and higher prices encouraged increased offerings.

With the lift in overall numbers, quality also improved, with 4pc more trade cattle offered, MLA reports.

In line with the improvement in quality for trade cattle, the past week also recorded a one and seven percentage point increase in the proportion of medium and heavyweights offered, respectively.

In contrast to the heavier categories, lightweight offerings declined 9pc on the previous week.

MLA says one of the major drivers for the improved quality offered has been the good season across northern NSW and Queensland contributing to a good body of feed and the heavy planting of winter crops.

The relatively cheap value of grain, combined with some excellent crops has allowed a growing proportion of producers to supplementary feed cattle and finish them on crops.

As a result, there has been a 4pc rise in the number of three-score yearling steers yarded, while two score numbers to market eased on the previous week.