At Wagga northern rains contributed to stronger cattle trends this week, in a larger yarding of 3,850.

Price spikes of 10-15c/kg were recorded for various grades of young cattle and export categories. The market gathered pace when export processors upped the ante and extra feeder orders opened up midway through the sale.

The season was reflected in steer trade prices with plainer unfinished trade cattle finding it difficult to attract all domestic buyers.   Generally prices for trade steers sold unchanged, with the medium weight steers 400-500kg selling from 275-295c/kg.

Prices for yearling heifers varied; with the quality dropping away as traditionally occurs this time of year. The better shaped and finished heifers 400-500kg sold 15c dearer selling at 270-301c/kg.

Store orders were plentiful and prices were excellent for all plainer conditioned stock. Prices for better quality pens of Angus steers 200-280kg regularly made from 300-375c/kg. Steers 280-320kg equally sold to impressive rates, with steers returning to the paddock selling from 300-342c/kg.

Feed lot buyers were the market drivers across all categories of weaners and yearlings, with prices for light and medium weight secondary steers jumping a further 6-12c/kg. Medium weight steers to feed on made from 297-339c, while plainer conditioned steers sold from 250-295c/kg. Steers 330-400kg were the hot ticket item with prices climbing throughout the sale. Most sales ranged from 300-342c/kg. The heifer market was once again exciting with light weight well-bred heifers suitable to feed on fetching 275-315c/kg. Heifers over 400kg sold at 285-319c/kg.

The highlight of the day was heavy grown steers 500-600kg with feedlot prices lifting 15c/kg when several northern feedlots faced off for a market share. The better shaped heavy grown steers and bullocks to slaughter sold 11c higher selling from 262-294c/kg.

The cow market set a cracking pace mid-way through the market with prices climbing 5-10c higher.

Heavy cows sold from 205-250c to average 236.4c, while leaner grades made from 185-224c/kg.