The Wagga cattle sale resumed after the Easter holiday break, and saw numbers lift by more than a third to 4,555. The market appeared to gain some heat this week, with stronger price trends recorded over domestic and export categories.

However the strong trend did not continue through to well-bred secondary steers. Holding their value better were the medium weight feeder steers 400-500kg which were unchanged to a few cents cheaper fetching 296-328c/kg. Light weight feeder steers slipped 6c making from 290-330c averaging 315c/kg.

Feeder heifers continued to track at steady rates as more well-bred types with condition come onto the market. Lighter weight portion sold 3c dearer selling from 278-328c, while medium weights made from 272c-307c/kg.

In the trade market the best B muscled milk calves still sold to 335c to butcher orders. Other sales ranged from 290-333c/kg. Veal lacking finish were keenly sought by feedlots selling from 308-322c/kg.

The National Livestock Reporting Service quoted the limited number of trade steers 5c dearer making from 305-325c/kg. Once again domestic buyers shifted their attention to the heifer portion, which offered more fat cover and condition. The medium weights 400-500kg sold to strong bidding for the supplementary fed portion, lifting prices 9c higher, to reach a top price of 340c/kg.

Increased demand for heavy grown steers 500-600kg from major export and domestic buyers lifted rates by 7c/kg. The better conditioned young milk and two tooth steers made from 290-315c/kg. Heavy bullocks were in short supply selling from 274-307c/kg

The cow market was also solid especially for heavy well finished lies. Heavy cows sold 4c dearer making from 228-248c/kg. Leaner cow prices fluctuated however prices were generally firmed as the sale progressed. The better lean cows made from 190-241c/kg. Cows returning to the paddock sold from 165-224c/kg.