Yarding 4900 Change -600

Cattle prices continue to fluctuate under the pressure of a dry spring and supplies of unfinished stock being pushed into the market.

There were 4900 cattle yarded at Wagga which equated to 600 fewer.

Despite the decline in numbers there was some change in buyer demand across the lighter weight categories. Weaners steers less than 300kg gained 10c with Narrandera agents and interstate restockers clashing on well-bred pens.  Weaner steers 200-280kg sold from 255-322c to average $761 per head. The heifer portion gained 3c to average $577.

Trade cattle were once again in limited supply however the supplementary fed portion sold to stronger bidding. Trade steers picked up 4c making from 292-310c/kg. Trade heifers benefited from increased feedlot competition and price were generally 7c dearer to average 281c/kg.

There were a few more feedlot orders in place and prices firmed for the medium and lighter weight steers. The main run of well-bred steers sold from 244-313c/kg.

The feeder heifer market sold to stronger demand, with the Angus portion keenly sought. Feed heifers lifted 7c making from 228-289c/kg.

Heavy steers and bullocks sold to weaker demand due in part to quality. Prices slipped back 5-20c with the better C3 and C4 steers making from 290-311c, while older steers sold to a low of 270c/kg.

Buoyant is one word to describe the market for cows. Heavy cows ignited bidding and prices were pushed 20c higher. The market reached a top of 278c to average 260c/kg. Leaner D2 and D3 types sold from 200-248c/kg

To view full NLRS sale report click here