Numbers more than halved at Wagga for the last market prior to the Christmas holiday break. The looming abattoir closures and very few processors operating caused a significant price correction across trade and export categories.

The market developed some erratic trends this week; even light weight store prices took a hit. Many of the better lines of secondary weaner steers and heifers 200- 320kg sold 15-24c/kg cheaper.

Meanwhile demand for straight-bred black heifers and steers continued their popularity amongst feedlot buyers.

Feedlots operated with some caution this week as there were some steers not suitable to feed-on. Well-bred secondary steers 330-400kg were unchanged to a few cents dearer making from 269-331c/kg. Medium weight feeders steer gained 3c to average 299c/kg. Secondary heifers suitable to feed on were in shorter supply selling 3c to 5c cheaper fetching 240-285c/kg.

Very few trade buyers were present this week which caused prices to slide notably. Demand was weak for medium weight trade steers 400-500kg and prices fell 30c to average 265c/kg.

Well finished trade heifers were in short supply and prices bounced around depending on who was buying. The best of the trade heifers fell 10c making from 240-265c to average 252c/kg.

In the export market numbers were limited and only one major processor made purchases. Heavy grown steers 500-600kg sold 20c cheaper selling from 225-258c/kg. Heavy bullocks topped at 258c to average 244c/kg.

Heavy heifers sold to weaker competition with the better shaped heifers 500-600kg making from 244-250c/kg.

Cow market opened significantly weaker due in part to only two companies operating, sales were 15-30c cheaper. Heavy cows made from 190-210c to average 198c/kg. Leaner grades were notably plainer than the previous week making from 175-192c/kg.