Yarding 3900  Change -1185

Numbers dropped back significantly, reflecting a shift in supply with more rain forecast. Quality continued to be secondary, with very few well-finished cattle available. The presence of additional lot feeder orders impacted prices, while restockers faced challenges against the dominant feedlot and background buyers. Overall the market fluctuated in pricing and demand, with various weight categories responding differently to buyer interest.

Trade steers and heifers weighing 400-500kg were scarce, with the bulk selling between 350-448c/kg. Lighter weight feeder steers, ranging from 280-330kg, sold for prices between 355-478c/kg. The next weight category, 340-400kg, experienced stronger price trends as the sale progressed, driven by buyer demand for weight. This resulted in an uptick of 28c, averaging 451c/kg. Medium weight feed steers gained 20c, achieving prices from 390-476c/kg, while heavy feed steers lifted 15c, averaging 428c/kg. Feeder heifers were in reasonable numbers however, prices fluctuated throughout the sale, with vendor bred heifers attracting the strongest competition. Prices for heifers ranged from 325-428c/kg. Steers intended to return to the paddock sold between 330-470c/kg.

On the export front, heavy cattle numbers were limited. Heavy steers and bullocks sold 12-40c dearer, with prices ranging from 350-440c/kg. Cow numbers dropped to 700 head, contributing to a rise in prices as competition escalated. Heavy cows sold within the range of 318-354c/kg, while leaner types under 520kg, some of which were grain-assisted, sold for prices between 230-333c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

Source: NLRS Click here to view full Wagga report on NLRS website.