Cattle prices surged when the market resumed at Wagga after the two week Easter holiday break.

Agents offered 4850 cattle, of which were 1630 cows.

The price hike was achieved despite bigger numbers of prime yearlings and well finished heavy cattle coming forward.

The highlight of the sale was the noticeable step up in demand for heavy export steers and heifers. Bidding intensified for heavy grown heifers over 500kg and a top price 250c/kg was reached for a pen Angus heifers weighing approximately 530kg. Most of the better shaped heifers sold 19-29c dearer to average 240.7c/kg.

Strong prices were reflected through the heavy grown steer and bullock market also. Heavy grown steers sold 8c dearer while bullocks jumped 16c to average 240.5c/kg.

Young cattle suitable for the trade experienced a lift of 10-20c/kg with all southern domestic processors, feed lots buyers and major export companies, displaying a more active approach for the medium weight lines.

Medium weight heifers recorded price gains of 16c to sell higher than steers with prices topping at 259.6c to average 241c/kg. Medium weight steers sold to a stronger trend with prices generally 5c higher while the lighter weights lifted 20c/kg. Medium weight steers to slaughter ranged from 230c-253c to average 244.6c/kg.

Vealer prices spiked to 260c with processors forced to lift rates to acquire adequate numbers. The fresh better finished vealers sold 12-15c dearer and made from 230c to 258.6c/kg.

Competition between feedlot buyers ramped up considerably and prices continued to strengthen as the market progressed. The most obvious lift in values was for feeder steers weighing 330-400kg with prices 12c higher. The better bred lines made from 220-253c/kg. The market for heavier feeder steers was stronger. Well-bred Angus Steers with frame and condition were keenly sought reaching a top price of 257c to average 239.7c a lift of 6c/kg.

Cow prices also intensified and prices rose 17c-20c across the board. Heavy cows made from 174c to 208c to average the equivalent of $1241.00. Leaner grades were keenly contested selling from 172c to 196c/kg. Young light weight store cows with plenty of frame sold 17c dearer making from 174c-185c/kg.

View full NLRS sale reports from markets around Australia in Beef Central’s markets section