At wagga numbers dropped by almost a third with only 3,165 cattle yarded.

Even with a shortage of export cattle the market lacked competition easing 4-8c/kg. The cheaper trend was obvious at the commencement of the sale with only two processors operating, while feedlot competition was also subdued dipping 16c/kg for the feeder steer portion. Top quality younger lines of heavy grown steers 500 -600kg to slaughter made from 260-288c/kg. Bullocks were all most non-existent selling from 260-278c/kg.

Heavy heifers were more keenly sought by processors and prices were generally firm to 5c easier selling from 240-278c/kg.

The trade market continued to struggle to find well finished cattle and to compete against the higher rates offered by feedlots. Medium weight grass finished steers were unchanged, with domestic buyers paying to a top of 315c/kg. The better finished steers made from 270c-295c/kg. Competition for trade heifers 400-500kg was erratic as feedlot buyers influenced the price trends, which caused rates to dip 5-7c/kg.

Another market to experience a cheaper trend was for well-bred feeder cattle where prices slipped 10c/kg. The bulk of the yearling offering sold to feedlots, with demand weakening as the sale progressed. Medium weight feeder’s steers topped at 322c to average 300c/kg. Lighter weight feeder heifers 330-400kg sold to fluctuating prices trends dependent on fat cover and breeding. Most heifer categories eased 5c-7c selling at 260-310c/kg.

There was limited numbers of lighter weight store conditioned weaners, which attracted some bidding from restockers. There were flat spots in the market with steers 280-320 kg making from 280c-325c/kg to average $959. Light weight heifers returning to the paddock made from 220c-306c/kg.

The cow market opened on a weaker note with rates 3-4c lower. Well finished cows sold from 209c-231c/kg. Southern export companies competed against northern processors for the better finished leaner categories and a run of leaner cows made from 185-228c while plainer types sold from 150-183c/kg.