Extremely hot weather conditions led to a smaller yarding of 3600 at Wagga.

Less processor and feedlot bidding meant most yearling categories showed easier price trends. This meant trade heifers 400-500kg slipped 8c according to Meat & Livestock Australia. The better finished heifers sold at 290-350c to average 305c/kg.

The ongoing hot weather was reflected in the condition of the yearling trade steer category, with rates easing back 14c/kg. Steers suitable for the processors were limited, with the bulk of the offering destined for feedlots. The few steers which did sell to processors fetched from 305-340c/kg.

The better quality vealers held their value, with prices at times touching firm. The highest price paid was 366c while other sales ranged from 318-355c/kg. Vealer heifers to feed-on met with stronger demand selling at 311-364c/kg. The steer portion sold to patchy demand to average 357c/kg.

Feeder steer prices generally showed a weaker trend of 3-5c/kg. Medium weight steers were least effected selling at 295-360c to average 236c/kg. Rates fluctuated for the lighter weights making from 299-370c/kg.

Feeder heifers had similar falls with lighter weights selling up to 8c cheaper due to less competition from major feedlots. Medium weight feeder heifers gained some momentum when a buyer commenced to operate later in the sale. The main run of feeder heifers sold from 292-332c to average 316c/kg.

In the export market competition was steady, however some bullocks were showing the signs of the hot condtions and those pens lacked competition. The better finished pens were unchanged making form 288-322c/kg. Heavy bullocks sold to solid demand with processors paying from 288-317c/kg.

Cow rates slipped further on the back of a cheaper trend last week. Some buyers were very selective and didn’t push rates. Generally rates for leaner types slipped 5-8c with the bulk of the medium weights averaging 226c/kg.   Heavy cows firmed selling at 230-256c/kg.