Markets

Wagga sale 21 Nov 2016: Numbers ease as focus turns to harvest

Leann Dax, 22/11/2016

At Wagga numbers declined to 3490, with farmers shifting their attention to hay making and harvest.

Restocker demand had the greatest influence over light weight categories, with store order pushing heifer rates 17c/kg higher. Heifers 330-400kg returning to the paddock sold at 275-378c, while the lighter weights topped at 379c to average 364c/kg.

The bidding from restockers for well-bred steers jumped prices 30c/kg. The market started off in line with last week, but kicked away when well-bred steers were sold. The main run of lighter weight steers fetched 345-430c to average 408c/kg.

The market seemed to lose some heat, with easier prices trends over most categories. There were signs at the market that trade and export processors and feedlots are- for the moment- not prepared to keep pushing the market.

This was evident for export cattle with heavy steer’s 500-600kg easing 8c/kg, with buying from some major processors sporadic. Heavy steers 500-600kg made from 285-318c, while Bullocks sold from 290-310c/kg.

The trade cattle market lacked intensity of the previous week, with rates firm to 6c cheaper. Trade heifers 400-500kg sold from 275-303c to average 305c/kg. There were limited numbers of steers 400-500kg purchased by domestic processors. The pens of prime steers which did sell to the trade were unchanged making from 305-345ckg.

Vealers were in greater numbers and quality was excellent. The better covered fresh calves 330-400kg sold from 350-385c/kg.

The feeder steer market showed solid price trends, but still eased back a few cents a kilogram. Demand for quality steers and heifers were evident, with prices touching firm throughout the sale. Steers 400-500kg were purchased by various feedlots selling to a top of 360c to average 332c/kg. Medium weight heifers to feed-on lacked buyer competition at times, which caused prices to dip 5c, the better quality lines sold from 290-341c/kg.

In a line-up of 440 cows not all processor operated while, other southern buyers were selective when making purchases. All grades of cows were unchanged to a few cents easier. Heavy well finished cows sold from 232-260c/kg. Leaner types received 228 to 241c/kg.

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