The volatile performance of the cattle market continued this week at Wagga in a yarding of 3360.

Price falls varied between categories managing a slight lift in rates over feeder categories late in the sale. But the general trend across the board was cheaper.

Bidding remained erratic, with restockers still unsure of opening price trends in 2018. Light weight steers back to the paddock were hardest hit, with rates falling 45c for the 200-280kg weight range. The bulk of the lighter weight steers made from 252-358c/kg.

Feedlot demand is being curbed by grain prices. Prices for feeder steers slipped 5-10c with competition patchy throughout the sale. Feeder steer rates ranged from 260-331c, with the lighter weight portion 330-400kg averaging 300.6c/kg.

The feeder heifer market experienced a lack of demand causing a price correction of 18-20c/kg across light and medium weight classes. Heifers to feed on consistently sold from 248-282c/kg.

Sharp price declines of up to 12c were recorded for trade heifers as domestic processor demand fell away. It resulted in only one or two buyers bidding throughout the sale. Trade heifers sold from 244-258c with a single sale reaching 272c/kg. There was no steers purchased in the 400-500kg weight range.

Despite vealers being in limited numbers prices were 5-10c cheaper making from 272c-310c/kg.

Export cattle sold at lower rates with falls of up to 10c for heavy steers while bullocks firmed as the sale progressed. Heavy steers and bullocks sold from 236-268c/kg.

Cow prices were down 5c with only a few processors operating. Heavy cows made from 195c-215c/kg, most of the plainer types returned to the paddock selling at 177-218c/kg.