Wagga agents tendered a similar sized yarding of 3,800. The market this week found solid support for secondary steers, while trade and export cattle sold to mixed price trends.

The market attracted steady restocker competition from local and interstate buyers across secondary grades. Like the season some cattle offered were in forward store condition showing freshness. Weaner steers consistently sold from 378c-402c and up to 406c, which equated to a dearer trend of 3c/kg.

It was a good result for weaner heifers returning to the paddock given the view quality was quite mixed. Prices jumped 24c for well-bred lines weighing 280-330kg to average 352c/kg.

The bulk of the yearling cattle offered sold to feedlots, with only limited numbers selling to domestic processors. There were good numbers of yearling steers which met trade specifications however feedlots dominated this category and processors were not prepared to push rates. The better finished pens were unchanged selling from 335-364c to average 349c/kg.

Trade heifers were well supplied and took another price hit of 8c/kg. The bulk of the medium weight heifers sold at 285c-365c to average 311c/kg.

Apart from a few standout lines the feeder steer market was mostly firm with odd sales 5c/kg higher. Medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 310-368c, while the lighter weights 330-400kg sold from 318-378c to average 352c/kg.

There were some excellent lines of well-bred heifers however, less competition from feedlots caused prices to drift 9c/kg. Heifers 330-400kg sold at 300c-347c/kg.

The export market lacked the intensity of past week for bullocks which was reflected in the cheaper trend 13c/kg. Bullocks sold from 265c to 317c/kg.  Despite the cheaper trend for bullocks domestic and export buyers were keen to secure heavy young steers 500-600kg which cemented a floor in rates, with prices unchanged. Heavy steers regularly sold from 290-333c/kg.

There was increased buying competition from the north in the cow market helping prices find a base. High yielding beef cows sold to softer price trends of 6c/kg. Heavy cows made from 230-250c/kg. Leaner cows made from 205c-241c/kg.