Price trends varied at Wagga in a smaller yarding of 2800, with plainer quality linked to the softer rates recorded for lighter weights.

Lighter weight weaner cattle in general hit a brick wall as pressure from the ongoing dry weather wiped significant money from all categories.

Feeder and restocker competition fell away and sharp price declines of 25c-40c were recorded, with the heifer portion wearing the brunt of the price correction.

The strongest market was for feeder type yearlings 330-400kg and the heavier weights up to 500kg, due impart to the significant price correction last week. Extra feedlot orders appeared and buyers pushed rates by 5 to 6c/kg. However, feeders steers and heifers under 330kg lacked buyer demand and prices fell away 10-25c/kg. The bulk of the feeder steers 400-500kg averaged 325c while the heifer portion topped at 310c to average 293c/kg.

The limited offering of trade steers 400-500kg averaged 5c dearer based on an average rate of 318c/kg. Trade heifers were well supplied and quality improved, with good numbers finished on crop. The bulk of the heifers lifted 8c making from 282c-305c/kg.

The best vealers which sold to processors were unchanged making from 300-344c/kg. Vealer steers back to the paddock 200-280kg sold 20c cheaper to average 345c/kg.
National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) noted not all major export companies operated or attended and prices softened a few cents a kilogram. Heavy steers 500-600kg sold from 250-300.6c/kg.

Cows continued to sell at high rates for well finished types. Heavy cows sold from 246-258c/kg. Leaner grades slipped 2c making from 212-252c/kg.