Numbers lifted and so did rates in a larger yarding of 2,800 cattle at Wagga yesterday.

Weaner steer prices hit their highest level this year on the back of widespread rain at the beginning of spring. The dearer trend of 12-33c/kg stretched over all light weight categories of steers and heifers, with prices reaching a top of 357c/kg. Breed and quality this week was good, comprising of feature lines of Angus and black baldy heifers which sold to a top of 330c/kg. Under pinning the market were store orders from Molong, Young along with local competition. Well-bred store heifers sold from 294-330c/kg.

Demand from feedlots continued to strengthen given buyers dropped into lighter weight categories 280-320kg, which elevated prices a further 12c/kg. Well-bred light weight steers sold from 320-350.2c to average 340c/kg or $1025. Medium weight secondary steers 400-500kg suitable to feed-on was in shorter supply, selling firm to average 333.2c/kg.

Secondary heifers suitable for feedlots were also in shorter numbers and settled into a price range of 295c-320c/kg. Major buyers were Thomas Food International Lady Smith feedlot and The Mount along with a few opportunistic feedlots.

Prices for trade steers 400-500kg were unchanged while the heifer portion lifted 12c/kg. Prime finished steers to slaughter made from 330 -347c to average 340c/kg. Good quality domestic heifers were keenly sought by both domestic buyers and feedlots which contributed to the dearer rates. The better finished lines ranged from 300-338c, while the lighter weight grass finished portion topped at 348c/kg.

Heavy grown steers and bullocks held their ground with prices strengthening on the better finished younger lines of steers 500-600kg. Heavy grown steers sold 7c higher to record a top price of 347c/kg. Bullocks made from 312-332c/kg.

In the cow run a few more buyers participated and prices improved 4-8c/kg. A run of heavy beef cows averaged 265c topping at 281c/kg. It was a very good quality line up of bulls, with heavy bulls regularly selling from 300-318c/kg