Yarding 2700 Change 300

Cattle prices continued to vary this week as quality and buyer demand varied over all categories in a smaller yarding of 2,700 at Wagga.

Store cattle categories were anything from 10- 27c/kg dearer. Agents said the unsettled market made it difficult to value cattle owing to some rain across the supply area and a boat order.

The mixed quality of cattle in  typical winter condition was blamed for some of the erratic trend, with increased supplies of lighter weights the other factor.

The National Livestock Reporting Service quoted weaner steers back to the paddock 280-330kg up to 27c dearer, while lighter weights however 200-280kg lifted 7c to average 279c or $644.  Meanwhile the weaner heifer portion attracted more competition lifting 20c to average $494

Meat buyers struggled to make a start with mostly the heifer portion suitable to slaughter. Crop finished and supplementary fed heifers met steady competition and prices were generally firm on last week’s market. The main line of heifers to the trade sold at 264-295c/kg. There were insufficient numbers of trade steers to quote, with the best steers making 320c/kg.

The slaughter quality of milk vealer calves has slipped as the season draws down, a few vealers suitable to kill sold at 210-305c/kg.

Prices for yearling feeder cattle were again influenced the level of buyer demand from major feedlots. The bulk of the 400-500kg feed steers were unchanged 275- 318c to average 307c/kg. The lighter weight feed steers slipped 14c to average 292c/kg.

Feeder heifers 330-400kg were keenly sought and prices jumped 8c making from 240-293c/kg.

In the export market bidding ignited for both heavy steers and bullocks which resulted in a dearer trend of 15c/kg. Heavy steers topped at 306c to average 291c/kg. Bullocks fetched 255-304c/kg.

Cow prices opened this week significantly stronger for well finished types. Heavy cows sold from 220-244c, while leaner grades made from 169-223c/kg.

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