Yarding 5500 Change 800

Cattle numbers continued to build at Wagga in a bigger yarding of 5480.

The cattle market lost some heat this week, with yearling cattle suitable to feed-on most affected by the cheaper trend.

The highlight on Monday was improved demand and prices for light weight weaners with rates jumping 20c making from 202-318c/kg

Prices for trade cattle were mostly unchanged. The main run of trade heifers 400-500kg averaged 275c with isolated sales hitting 295c/kg. Steers to slaughter were limited as domestic buyers struggled to match feedlot rates. Well finished trade steers topped at 311c to average 296c/kg. The lighter weights were also in short supply making from 275-290c/kg.

Secondary steers 400-500kg wore the brunt of a 7c price correction to average 298c/kg. The bulk of the offering was purchased by the usual group of feedlot buyers and a new operator from Queensland. There was a similar pattern for the lighter weight steers, with major feedlots not prepared to push rates much past 310c/kg. The main run of light weight steers sold at 240-316c averaging 288c/kg.

A single export processor lead the way in the heavy cattle section, with most buyers subdued when competing for heavy steers 500-600kg. Heavy steers sold firm averaging 300c/kg. Bullock rates softened however plenty of sales touched firm. Bullocks regularly made from 276-320c/kg.

In the cow market bigger numbers meant rates softened. Heavy cows sold 7c cheaper making from 230-252c/kg. Leaner grades were firm 5c cheaper  selling at 202-234c/kg.

To view full NLRS sale report click here