Numbers were similar at Wagga, with agents offering just over 3000 head.

Prices were fuelled by better feedlot and restocker competition, after some rain in the north and local area.

Some good results were recorded in the vealer run with many sales of excellent quality European calves selling from 330-360c/kg, while most other British breed’s ranged from 320-345c/kg.

In the trade market bidding was consistently above 310c for the better finished trade steers, with the best steers to slaughter lifting 25c making from 317-363c to average 357c/kg. Trade heifers 400-500kg trended slightly easier, with buyers not lifting rates much above 310c/kg. Medium weights sold from 275-318c/kg. Lighter weight trade heifers which were supplementary fed met strong competition topping at 348c/kg.

Helping boost secondary yearling and weaner rates was renewed feedlot and back grounder interest over all light weight categories, following recent rain. The biggest gains were made by Angus steers, when feedlots pushed prices 11c higher. Steers returning to the paddock topped at 410c to average 370c or $863. A repeat buyer created a hefty pace for lighter weight heifers 200-288kg which lifted rates 14c/kg. Well-bred heifers returning to the paddock sold from 280-348c/kg.

There was a price kick for feeder steers this week when local and northern feedlots clashed on all pens of well-bred lines. Medium weight steers jumped 19c selling from 310-365c to average 348c/kg.

It was not the same in the heifer feeder market, with lighter weight heifers struggling to attract the usual buying field. Rates dipped 10c selling at 285-333c/kg.

After some average results in the export market the previous week for aged bullocks, prices lifted 3c/kg. Bullocks averaged 298c to top at 304c/kg. A fall in supply of better quality younger grown steers 500-600kg saw stronger demand and, rates generally improve 3c, with younger lines consistently making 290-312c/kg.

A reduced line up of 600 cows and increased competition from southern processors lifted prices 8-17c/kg. Heavy cows sold up to 8c dearer making from 242-264c/kg. Leaner grades met strong demand which resulted in a dearer trend of 17c/kg. The better quality leaner types made from 213-248c/kg.