Cattle prices fell again at Wagga yesterday in a smaller yarding of 3,285 as the hot dry conditions continue to put supply pressure on markets.

Young cattle quality slipped and experienced another 8-12c price correction, with plainer conditioned heifers discounted up to 42c/kg.

Prices averages for trade steers and heifers were affected by the much weaker demand from southern processors. Yearling steers sold from 270-303c to average 289c/kg. Yearling heifer suitable for the trade slipped 8c making 239c-285c/kg. Plainer shaped heifers not meeting specifications made from 170-235c/kg.

The good quality supply of vealers slumped by 12-31c, with the better finished vealers fetching 275-310c/kg.

The feeder market lacked competition from major feedlots, which resulted in a cheaper trend of 7-9c/kg. Well-bred steers 400-500kg made from 260-315c while the lighter weights sold from 265c-317c to average 294c/kg.

It was more of the same for the heifer portion, with no major feedlots making purchases. Heifers 330-400kg sold 7c lower to average 258c/kg.

Store orders were limited however, prices improved 10c for the well-bred lines. Steers 280-320kg topped at 320c to average 311.6c or $910 per head.

Grown steers and bullocks prices again fell due to limited demand. Bullocks were back 8c while grown steers 500-600kg sold 10c cheaper averaging 273c/kg.

In a smaller line up of just over 700 cows buyer competition was bigger, with the inclusion of several northern processors. The increased competition failed to hold values as heavy high yielding cows sold 5c cheaper averaging 217c/kg. Leaner grades lost up to 25c making 186-217c/kg.