Yarding 6011 change 2275

Wagga Wagga cattle numbers increased by 2275 to 6011 and the bigger numbers did impact the market over some categories.

The looming summer didn’t deter restockers, with weaner store prices lifting a few cents.

The higher prices offered last week, caused increased supplies of plainer conditioned weaners to enter the market. The plainer selection did effect competition at times but provided some producers with more choice and at cheaper entry level.  Well-bred steers returning to the paddock fetched 250-328c/kg. Heifers going back to the paddock sold to vary trends depending on breed, the bulk making from 240-271c/kg.

Lighter weight steers suitable to feed on were 5c cheaper.  Well-bred young steers 330-400kg made from 258c-309c to average 291c/kg.  The medium weight steers 400-500kg slipped 9c fetching 259c to 304c/kg.

Prices for lighter weight feeder heifers were unchanged to slightly dearer.  Medium weight heifers 400-500kg gained 3c to average 278c/kg. The better shaped feeder heifers topped at 287c/kg.

Bidding for medium weight trade steers was erratic as domestic processors battled feedlots to acquire finished types. After some price spikes, medium weight steers topped at 324c to average 304c/kg.  The heifer portion gained more competition causing prices to lift 3c/kg. The better finished heifer lines made from 270c-312c/kg.

The shortage of export cattle in the north did little to help values, with prices declining 4-5c/kg for steers 500-600kg.  Heavy grown steers made from 284-329c/kg. Heavy bullocks sold to strong southern demand, with the younger steers holding their value best. Heavy bullocks topped at 332c to average 329/kg.  Heavy heifer prices strengthened with the better shaped pens selling from 275c-306c/kg.

The other noticeable lift in rates was for cows, with processors all scrambling for a market share.  Prices generally climbed 9-12c/kg. Heavy cows made from 255-277c while good clean lean cows sold from 244c-264c/kg

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