Wet conditions in the north help fuel another rates rise for feeder cattle and export categories at Wagga. Despite the bigger offering of 4750, cattle heavy export cattle met with strong competition.

Prices for most heavy steers 500-600kg and bullocks stepped up another 5-15ckg with the heavy steers enjoying the hefty price lift. Heavy steers made from 240-288c while bullocks sold at 264-273c/kg.

In the cow market stronger competition from the north contributed to a dearer trend of 3-4c, with the bulk making from 208-229c/kg. Leaner grades were mostly unchanged selling at 182-213c/kg. Cows back to the paddock were keenly sought making from 175-225c/kg

Supply pressure seems to be building for well-bred secondary Angus steers 400-500kg, with buyers continually paying 290 to 304c/kg. The stronger competition generally lifted rates 12c to average 293c/kg. In contrast there wasn’t the demand from a boat order this week for the lighter weights which helped prices ease back 5-15c/kg. Steers 280-330kg to feed sold from 250-290c/kg.

Feeder heifers 330-400kg sold to 278c a cheaper trend of 4c/kg. Demand intensified for heavier feeder heifers, with rated lifting 6c to average 269c/kg.

The best price recorded in the trade market was 328c for vealers. It meant top milk calves averaged 303c/kg. Vealers lacking finish sold to restockers and lot feeders selling at 280-319c/kg.

Trade heifers were 2c dearer owing to the stronger competition from feedlots. Trade heifers sold at 242-284c/kg. Trade steers were again limited and quality was only average. The limited few selling from 266-297c/kg.

Weaner steer quality slipped noticeably and buyers weren’t prepared to pay premium rates. The bulk of the weaner steers sold at 282-323c to average $905.