This week’s offering of just on 5000 cattle at Wagga Wagga declined by 150, with trade cattle supplies shrinking considerably.

Trade prices fell in early trade as increased numbers of plainer winter affected store cattle flood the market. Young cattle suitable for the trade generally experienced a 5-10c price correction, although there were times where plainer conditioned stock were discounted by up to 15c/kg.

Agents said with the plainer quality stock meant meat buyers were not as active compounding the cheaper trend.

Prices averages for trade steers was affected by the decline in quality with very few cattle presented in genuine slaughter condition. Medium weight steers suitable for the trade made from 250- 298c averaging 286c/kg. Medium weight trade heifers were in better conditioned, which contributed to a rise in demand from processors. The better finished lines sold from 245-299c/kg.

Most vealers lacked finish and were purchased by restockers and lot feeders. The odd pens which were suitable to slaughter made from 235-305c

On the back of rain in the central west region of NSW, increased store orders were in place. Bidding for select younger lighter weight steers from restockers was significantly stronger and the best price recorded was for a pen of Angus steers weighing 290kg which sold for 294c/kg. The balance of the lighter weights made 255c to 285 selling 23c/kg dearer.

Strong local and feedlot competition underpinned light weight heifer prices and local restockers paid from 200-243c/kg. Feedlots paid slightly more, prices ranging from 217-245c/kg.

Feedlot competition was strong and prices strengthened as the market progressed. Major feedlot buyers paid premium rates for Angus steers which contributed to a dearer trend of 5c/kg. Secondary steers 400-500kg made from 265c-306c/kg. The lighter weight portion 330-400kg were also 5c dearer ranging from 240-301.6c/kg.

Prices were strong for Heavy grown steers 500-600kg in a much bigger yarding than the previous week. Heavy steers were up to 7c dearer as processors scramble to fill orders. Most of the better finished steers made from 270c-305.2c/kg. Bullock quality varied which was reflected in the cheaper trend of 6c, with prices ranging from 250c-292c/kg.

Cow numbers continue to remain high with agents offering just over 1300 head. Bidding was strong with buyers seeking well finished lines and good clean trade types. The stronger demand saw prices lift 4-6c with heavy cows averaging 209.7c/kg.