The last sale before the Christmas holiday break saw numbers more than halve, with Wagga agents offering 1,470.

The approaching abattoir shut downs for the annual Christmas break placed pressure on the market. Young cattle destined for domestic and export abattoirs experienced a rate rise 7-20c/kg

Export cattle did show notable price results as the industry feels the impact of tightening supplies leading into the Christmas break. Heavy steers 500-600kg jumped 20c recording a top of 320c to average 308c/kg. Bullocks were unchanged selling at 262-304c/kg.

The general lack of quality trade steers was the catalyst for a rate rise of 10c/kg, with buyers eager to capture a market share. The better finished steers sold from 290-320c/kg. It was more of the same in the heifer run with prices lifting 7c/kg. The main run of trade heifers fetched 270-320.6c/kg.

There was a significant price jump for weaner cattle returning to the paddock despite the mixed quality. Competition for young steers 330-400kg created a dearer trend of 6c making from 328-390c to average 370c/kg. Lighter weight secondary steers 280-320kg lifted 25c making from 328-410c/kg.

Feedlot buyers were active in the sale, although fewer heifers were purchased. Prices were mostly unchanged for both the lighter weight steers and heifers. Feeder steers 330-400kg regularly made from 320-380c/kg. The heifer portion in some sales reflected the spring growth and was keenly sought. The strength of the sale however was judged on breed, with the Angus portion paid premium rates. The bulk of the heifers sold from 312-349c/kg.

Prices dipped in a smaller line up of 150 cows. There was less buying competition and this effected price trends with rates falling back 5-6c/kg. Heavy cows made from 215-246 averaging 223c/kg. Leaner cows sold to fluctuating price trends. Light and medium framed lines sold from 190-230c/kg.