Yarding 6989  Change +479

PRICES fell across the board in another big yarding of 6989 head at Wagga this morning.

As the Christmas break approaches, cattle numbers have seen an uptick, however the quality has taken a back seat this week compared to the well-finished cattle seen in previous sales.

Most buyers participated, but domestic and export processors were particularly selective, often absent from the competition. Orders from feedlots were down this week, and those that did operate rolled prices back significantly.

Most of the cattle purchased by restockers are headed for Gippsland or the Western districts of Victoria, reflecting a lack of interest from local buyers.

The cattle market showed a definite shift in prices as we near Christmas and the big numbers hitting selling centres.

Trade steers and heifers suitable for the trade market were limited, with prices ranging from 400-480c/kg. Most cattle available were secondary quality, including coloured cattle, which saw a price drop of 30c or more, regardless of sex.

In the feeder category, lightweight steers sold 13c cheaper, while medium weights slipped 24c fetching 410-492c/kg. A similar trend was evident in feeder heifers, with prices peeling back 30c or more in certain instances.

Medium-weight heifers sold from 400-450c/kg. Lightweight steers back to the paddock dropped 15c, selling from 400-515c/kg, with the heifer portion experiencing a more significant decline, with prices dropping up to 70c, making between 365-440c/kg.

The subdued activity from export buyers led to a price correction across all categories for heavier cattle. Heavy steers sold from 430-488c/kg, while bullocks saw a decrease of 46c, making 432-468c/kg.

Heavy cows, despite solid demand from Victorian processors, experienced a moderate easing of 6c, with prices ranging from 385-421c/kg. Leaner cows under 520kg sold within a range of 340-386c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

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