Yarding 6580  Change +880

The yarding numbers lifted slightly. The offering was mostly secondary with very few cattle to suit either domestic or export processors. The usual processors attended but it was difficult for most to make a start due to the limited supply of well-finished stock. A couple of different feedlots operated alongside more restocking orders. Some lines of lighter steers are heading south while other steers are travelling to Roma, in Queensland. Feedlots and restockers were largely operating around well bred stock.  Overall strong demand from feedlots and restockers for well bred lines was evident, while limited numbers of well-finished export lots kept processor buying selective and price patterns in this category fluctuated around age.

Large runs of Angus steers and heifers suited feedlots, and feedlots were prepared to chase the market on big lines. Lightweight steers 200–280kg lifted 45c to average $1219/head. Steers 280–340kg were keenly sought by a Queensland order, keeping pressure on this category. Prices ranged 420–521c/kg. Lighter feeder steers 330–400kg sold to weaker demand, making 398–514c/kg. Medium-weight feeder steers were unchanged, selling 438–490c/kg. Feeder heifers were well supplied with big lines on offer. Lightweight feeder heifers improved 5c, making 365–444c/kg. Medium weights were unchanged to slightly softer selling from 360–448c/kg. Trade steers and heifers 400-500kg sold between 410-466c/kg.

On the export front, limited numbers to suit processors distorted price trends. Heavy steers sold 390–470c/kg, while bullocks lifted 19c making 415–478c/kg. Cow numbers increased and quality declined with more plainer types in the mix. Heavy cows gained 8c, selling 370–397c/kg. Leaner cows under 520kg slipped 10c, ranging 332–361c/kg. Store cow prices fell 10c, with the better-covered selling 308–361c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

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