Hot weather restricted the flow of cattle at Wagga in a planer offering of 4085.

The market seemed to lose some heat, with easier prices trends over some yearling categories. There were signs at the market that feedlots are for the moment, not prepared to keep pushing the market upwards, particularly at the plainer end of those categories.

Trade cattle saw bidding intensify, as buyers chased quality yearlings suitable for the trade. Rates lifted 11c/kg for the heifer portion selling from 300-330c to average 315c/kg. There were very few steers 400-500kg purchased by domestic processors with insufficient numbers to quote. The best of the prime steers which did sell to the trade made from 305-322c.kg.

Vealers were in short supply and buyers paid a premium for choice pens. The better covered European calves sold from 340-365c/kg. Vealers lacking finish sold mostly to feedlots selling at 328-374c/kg.

The feeder steer market showed weaker price trends easing back up to 10c/kg. Demand for quality steers and heifers were evident, with prices touching close to firm throughout the sale. A total of 695 steers weighing 400-500kg were purchased by various feedlots and sold to a top of 360c to average $1527 according to Meat & Livestock Australia. Medium weight heifers to feed-on sold to weaker demand, which caused prices to dip 6-8c, the better quality lines sold from 315-338c/kg.

Lines of well-bred weaner steers sold to northern and local restocking competition. Light weight steers ranged from 355-409c/kg. The heifer portion attracted several buyers and lifted slipped 4c selling from 373-382c/kg.

The cheaper prices were evident for export cattle when some buyers opted not to match rates. Heavy steers 500-600kg to slaughter slipped 5c making from 270-335c, while the feeder steer portion sold firm selling from 302-336c/kg. Bullocks were in shorter supply selling at a cheaper trend of 4c to average 291c/kg.

In a line-up of just over 555 cows all southern processor operated while, other buyers were selective in making purchases. All grades of cows generally sold 1-5c dearer, with the better run of cows selling from 237-262c/kg. Heavy high yielding beef cows averaged 247c/kg. Lean cows sold to strong bidding making from 210-247c/kg.