Yarding 4520 Change +270

Numbers lifted, but the supply fell below the agents draw. The quality of the cattle was good to excellent, across all breeds, particularly the heifer portion, carrying significant fat cover. While not all feedlot or restocking orders were in operation, all export and domestic processors participated in the market, albeit with one buyer not participating. The market displayed mixed price trends, with certain orders entering the sale midway, contributing to a slight uptick in the heifer sale.

Trade cattle were sold between 420c/kg and 551c/kg, however, the enthusiasm experienced last week was noticeably absent among processors. A few vealers sold from 485-550c/kg. Feeder steers 340-400kg sold to a smaller group of buyers, resulting in a price dip of 11c, with most fetching between 482c-584c/kg. Medium-weight feeder steers saw a slight uptick in bidding as a few extra feedlots entered the market, helping keep a floor in prices. The bulk sold from 486c/kg to 576c/kg. On the other hand, feeder heifers faced weak demand and erratic bidding throughout the sale, with lighter weight feeder heifers selling 20c cheaper and medium-weight heifers slipping by 17-27c, fetching between 460c/kg and 534c/kg. Restockers showed extreme caution,  with prices for steers weighing 200-280kg coming off the boil by 44c, averaging around $1572/head.

In the export sale, feedlots dominated, purchasing the bulk of steers weighing 500-600kg. This increased competition led to a price rise of 22c, with sales ranging from 484c/kg to 573c/kg. Heavy steers and bullocks purchased by processors made between 430c/kg and 493c/kg. Heavy heifers commanded prices from 422c/kg to 490c/kg. The yarding of cows was of good quality, though not all buyers were active. Heavy cows slipped by 12c, making from 394c/kg to 448c/kg, it must be noted most sales were under 435c/kg. Leaner types under 520kg encountered strong demand midway through the sale, selling from 360c/kg to 417c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

Source: NLRS Click here to view full Wagga report on NLRS website.