Cattle prices continued to fluctuate this week as quality and buyer demand varied over all categories in a smaller yarding of 3600 at Wagga.

Store cattle categories were anything from dearer 7c higher to 40c after last week’s cheaper trend of 30-50c/g.  Agents said the market was somewhat unsettled however buyers seemed to have found a base rate for young weaners.

The mixed quality of cattle in typical drought like conditions was blamed for some of the erratic trends, with increased supplies of plainer lighter weights the other factor.

The National Livestock Reporting Service quoted some weaner steers back to the paddock 280-330kg up to 21c dearer, while lighter weights however 200-280kg lifted 7c to average $605.  Meanwhile the weaner heifer portion attracted some restocker competition to average $526

Meat buyers struggled to make a start with only the heifer portion suitable to slaughter. Well finished heifers met steady competition and prices were generally 15c cheaper. The main line of heifers to the trade sold at 235-280c/kg. There were no steers 400-500kg suitable for the trade all lacked finish.

The slaughter quality of milk vealer calves has slipped as the season draws down, a few vealers suitable to kill sold at 245-290c/kg.

Prices for yearling feeder cattle were influenced by grain prices and the level of buyer demand. The bulk of the 400-500kg feed steers slipped 4c topping at 303c/kg. The lighter weight feed steers firmed making from 250-304c/kg.

Feeder heifers were keenly sought weighing 330-400kg and prices jumped 19c making from 235-282c/kg.

In the export market prices were relatively stable for both heavy steers and bullocks. Heavy steers topped at 278c to average 291c/kg. Bullocks fetched 242-276c/kg.

The cow market opened stronger this week gaining 5-10c/kg. Heavy cows sold from 190-221c for higher yielding types. Leaner cows sold at 130-171c/kg. Store cows due to calve in July August topped at 199c pushing store rates 20c higher Ends