Cattle prices fell this week in bigger yarding of 4,480 at Wagga. Good numbers of well finished cattle in most selling centres, continue to pressure the market.

Young trade cattle generally experienced a price correction of 20-30c/kg, with plainer lines holding their value best supported by feedlot and restocker competition.

Trade steers were in greater numbers and made from 342-365 to average 360c/kg.

The market continued to shed value across trade heifer categories with heifer’s 400-500kg hardest hit buckling 31c/kg. The main run of heifers fetched 290-356c averaging 319c/kg. Liger weights dipped 29c to average 328c/kg.

Vealer numbers decreased and price averages were affected by quality and less feedlot demand. Vealers eased 20c fetching 336-378c with the odd isolated sale for lighter weights to 419c/kg.

Secondary light weight heifers sold to a small field of restockers and prices were dragged back 20c/kg. The better bred lines sold from 377-396c to average 389c/kg.

Weaner steers returning to the paddock were not as keenly sought which caused prices to drift 12c/kg. Steers 200-280kg sold from 389-432c/kg.

Prices buckled in the export market, with heavy steers and bullocks falling 18-22c/kg. Export processors weren’t prepared to push prices for heavy bullocks, with prices dropping to a low of 283c to average 321c/kg. Heavy grown steers 500-600kg attracted a few more buyers including some feedlot competition. The better finished younger steers sold at 300-355c/kg.

The cow market lost some heat when not all processors operated fully. Heavy cows sold 10c cheaper making from 250-271c/kg. Leaner grades sold to fluctuating rates throughout the sale making from 228-265c/kg