THERE were some good price improvements for young cattle this week as number declined by more than 1100 to total just over 2000 head at Wagga.

Top trade weight cattle surged ahead 26c, with buyers pushing prices for the outstanding pen lots of supplementary fed steers and heifers. A noticeable trend coming through the market was improved demand for heifers as buyers switched to young heifers which offered processors finish and correct fat cover.

Trade heifers 400-500kg topped at 350c, with the bulk making from 276-320c averaging 297c/kg.  Trade steers gained a few cents on the back of the outstanding quality and stronger demand. Well finished steers regularly sold from 320-324c/kg.

Vealers generally averaged 339c for the European calves and their crosses, with prices up to 51c/kg better. British bred veal sold from 310-328c, with a fair percentage destined for feedlots. Veal to feed on sold from 315-354c/kg.

Feeder steers prices jumped 9c with two three major feedlots underpinning rates. The general run of yearling feeder steers 330-500kg sold from 282-328c/kg.

Feeder type heifers were in short supply and prices were up to 9c dearer. Lighter weight heifers 330-400kg sold from 275c-298c/kg.

Scarcity kept rates unchanged for the few top quality pens of grown steers. Heavy steers grain assisted topped at 328c, with the bulk averaging 301c/kg.

Cow numbers more than halved with just on 550 cows and 38 bulls. The market rose sharply, driven by a lack of supply. Heavy cows sold 12c dearer making from 226-258c while leaner types ranged from 161-254c/kg.