AuctionsPlus have sold a record 17,849 head this week, making it their biggest week on record.

A host of buyers from across Gippsland, western Victoria joined with buyers from NSW to push prices higher at Ballarat's steer sale.

Strong competition for suitable cattle by feedlotters and an export order provided the spark in the market at Mortlake.

Prices at Mount Gambier's monthly store sale were 40 cents a kilogram to 90c/kg up on January prices, thanks to very strong competition from restockers, feedlotters and local graziers.

The sheer number of cows coming forward has surprised southern agents.

A tightening supply of sheep and lambs helped prices to soar at the Mount Pleasant market on Thursday, with ewes and wethers both climbing to $244.

Rain since the middle of January will put the handbrake on production for the remaining months of the first quarter at least.

Confidence from rains in the northern areas fired up the Ballarat feature female sale.

The EYCI is not a complete reflection of the state of the cattle market.

Confidence in the cattle market and a big crowd of buyers saw prices climb higher at Warrnambool.