Yarding 5000  Change +740

The yarding was moderately larger, with quality varying significantly among cattle under 500kg. Heavy cattle showed plenty of finish, attracting interest from all processors, alongside a substantial group of feedlots. The sale also saw a large contingent of restockers contributing to robust competition across all lighter weight categories. Restockers emerged as major buyers for cattle under 400kg, often going head-to-head with feedlots. Light-weight steers returning to the paddock, weighing 200-280kg, sold 32c dearer, topping at 628 cents, with an overall average price of $1392/head. The heifer portion averaged $1,202 per head.

Domestic processors encountered challenges against feedlots, as domestic buyers were unwilling to push the market past a certain point. Trade steers and heifers sold within a range of 446-496c/kg. Steers weighing 330-400kg, suiting restockers, averaged $1,912/head, while those sold to feedlots averaged $1,881/head. Medium-weight feeder steers remained mostly unchanged, averaging between 436-500c/kg, while heavy feed steers sold for 8c less, ranging from 449-498c/kg. Feeder heifers met a big group of buyers and lighter weights saw an uptick of 20c to average 463c/kg. Medium weight feeder heifers sold from 426-476c/kg.

In the export market, quality remained very good however, processors faced competition from lot feeder buyers for suitable stock. Heavy steers and bullocks suitable for processors saw prices increase by up to 6c, selling between 438-497c/kg. The yarding featured a mix of cows, with prices beginning to rise midway through the sale. Heavy cows remained unchanged, selling from 399-438c/kg, while leaner cows under 520kg gained 10c, fetching prices between 388-412c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

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