The market at Wagga finished the last week of winter in style, with prices soaring for export and domestic cattle. Numbers once again declined notably with agents yarding 2005 head, 800 less than the previous week.

Keen buying competition from all sectors drove the market substantially higher. One of the highlights was strong buying by a major supermarket for medium and heavy weight steers and heifers.

Crop finished and supplementary fed trade steers attracted stronger competition, with prices jumping 11c to reach a high of 364c to average 349c/kg.

Since the rain in the past 10 days fewer young cattle are being offered which helped lift heifer trade prices a further 11c/kg. Medium weight heifers 400-500kg made from 300-349.2c to average 329.8c/kg.

Feeder steers 400-500kg were frim to 5c dearer owing to increased demand from a major feedlot after a short absence from the market. Secondary heifers to feed on 330-400kg were 9c dearer, with several feedlots clashing for a market share of well-bred lines.

Prices strengthened for light weight weaner steers and heifers. Drafts of vealer steers lacking finish 200-280kg, jumped 28c making from 308-345c/kg, to average the equivalent of $791.00. Bidding for secondary heifers was just as solid making from 270c-300c/kg.

It was more of the same in the export market with a combination of tightening supplies and a lower Australian dollar driving values up by 17c/kg. Heavy bullocks 600-700kg made from 310-340c/kg. Heavy grown steers met stronger demand for the better milk and two tooth steers. National Live Stock Reporting Service quoted prices 6c higher with a single pen reaching a top price of 360c/kg.

There was increased numbers of Charolais and European cross heifers offered, with the majority tipping the scales from 520-620kg. These lines of heifers enticed both export and domestic processors into action with prices rising 22-33c/kg. Heifers hit a top price of 359.2c to average 329.6c for the better shapes.

Cow numbers declined, with only 335 yarded and not all processors operated. All weights and grades were represented and prices rose 5-9c/kg. Heavy cows made from 259c-283c to average 269c/kg. Leaner grades were plainer and the better run of leaner cows made from 242-269c/kg. Store cows sold to a small field of restockers making from 174-207c/kg.