Markets

Wagga sale 12 Dec 2016: Prices ease for mixed quality yarding

Guest Author, 13/12/2016

Warm conditions and plainer quality eroded prices at the top end in a similar sized yarding of 3,900 cattle at Wagga.

The market opened softer on the back of an increase of mixed quality stock being yarded.

Steers suitable for the trade were up to 3c cheaper, with domestic processors more selective across all weights and grades. Grass finished steers sold from 280-315c to average 294c/kg. Trade steers lacking finish sold from 280-291c/kg.

Heifer price trends varied with quality and competition tending to be the driving factor. Prices for better finished heifers were generally 3c dearer selling from 270-318c/kg. Plainer shaped heifers with cover sold from 248-267c/kg.

Vealers were in short supply selling 7c cheaper and the best kill price recorded was 352c, with the balance selling from 300c to 345c/kg.

Most weaner heifers returning to the paddock 200-280kg hovered around 290-344c, with rates generally unchanged. Good quality lines of Angus steers 330-400kg attracted strong northern restocker demand, with the lead pens lifting 7c selling from 314-385c/kg.

A mixed selection of secondary steers was penned. The regular feedlot and opportunistic feeders were present and active. Some feedlot buyers were restricted by age weight and breeding, which contributed to values softening 5c/kg for medium weight steers. Medium weight steers to feed on made from 295-354c/kg. Lighter weights topped at 369c to average 352c/kg.

After some recent price corrections export cattle again lost some momentum due to weakening domestic demand. Grown steers were quoted as 3c cheaper making from 270-298c/kg. Heavy bullocks were in short supply selling at 270-288c/kg. Heavy heifers attracted all processors and equalled heavy steer rates topping at 300c to average 279c/kg.

The cow market lacked drive and competition fluctuated. Heavy cows sold 12c cheaper, while leaner grades slipped 10-11c/kg. High yielding beef cows sold from 220-242c to average 228c/kg. Leaner grades ranged from 190-236c/kg

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