Yarding 5850 Change +1020

Higher prices last week brought significantly more cattle to the market.

Quality remained very good, with most cattle carrying plenty of condition. The usual buyers attended, joined by a few more buyers with feedlot orders. Major feedlots were operating, with most seeking Angus steers weighing above 330kg. Feedlot buyers paid premiums for cattle in leaner condition, and prices spiked for these type of steers weighing 400-500kg. The heifer market was erratic, with feedlots and restockers competing for cattle under 400kg. Lighter-weight cattle remained scarce, and restockers were keen to buy any breed due to limited numbers.

Trade steers weighing 400-500kg sold from 460-532c/kg, up 11c/kg. Light-weight steers 200-280kg were limited, with a single pen reaching 710c/kg. Light-weight feeder steers eased 4c/kg as restockers focused more on heifers this week. Medium-weight feeder steers attracted strong competition, with most selling firm making from 485-566c/kg. Medium-weight feeder heifers met stronger demand, with more feedlot orders in the market, and sold 17c dearer with most sales above 500c, the bulk selling from 482-512c/kg. Heifers returning to the paddock weighing between 330-400kg sold 17c dearer making from 486-578c/kg.

Heavy steers and bullocks were limited on the export market, with feedlots buying most of the heavy steers. Heavy steers and bullocks purchased by processors sold from 458-516c/kg. Better shaped heavy heifers made 440-485c/kg. Heavy cows gained 8c/kg, selling from 406-440c/kg, while leaner cows under 520kg surged 28c/kg to sell from 405-420c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

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