MYRTLEFORD'S cattle yards on Matheson Road drew strong crowds last Friday, with some 2300 cattle auctioned off at the annual weaner sale amid a declining market.

Livestock agent for Nutrien Ivone Agencies, Wade Ivone, said the market for cattle is currently falling from particularly high prices last year.

He said since last year around $800–1000 had dropped from the per head cattle price.

Mr Ivone suggested demand for beef had fallen due to less demand from consumers, however he said the Myrtleford market was of a good size, with a strong number of buyers.

"The usual buyers were there and a few new buyers as well," he said.

"They're all very active, there was plenty of bidding going on."

Mr Ivone said cattle had primarily been sold to locals or buyers in Northern Victoria, Gipppsland and the Riverina region of New South Wales.

He said 1475 steers averaged a price of $1326 per head, while the 828 heifers sold at an average of $1022 per head.

J and B Fraser from Harrietville took the top price for steers – $1640 per head – and the top price for heifers at $1725 per head.

Mudgegonga cattle farmers Debbie and Tony Geddes sold 68 weaner steers, with two pens going to a consignment buyer for $1150.

Ms Geddes said all the cattle at the market were good quality, but prices were down on last year.

"From last year's prices we took a $1000 hit per head," she said.

"I think it's being felt across the board with current markets at the moment – bit disappointed after the big high that we had for the last two years."

The next Myrtleford cattle sale will be on May 16.