Cattle prices at Wagga were generally weaker in a similar sized yarding of 3600. The market is facing pressure from plainer quality and bigger numbers at other selling centres due to the dry conditions.

Lighter weight cattle and plainer types were most affected by the cheaper market as they relied on feedlot and restocker competition to hold their value.

Feeder heifers were hardest hit with prices falling 10-18c in a market which fluctuated constantly. Feeder heifers dipped to 220c before recovering some of the losses to average 252c/kg.

Feeder steers sold to a smaller field of buyers before increased competition midway firmed rates. Another factor to hamper demand was quality, with very few lines of well-bred steers coming through. The bulk of the feed steers sold from 250-294c with an odd pen to 303c/kg.

Store steers sold to stronger price trend despite the summer conditions. Steers back to the paddock lifted 5c making from 250-338c/kg. The heifer portion mostly sold to feedlots with restockers happy to sit on the side lines. A few pens made from 220-240c/kg

Trade heifers sold 12c cheaper however, another processor entered the market when heifers sold around the 240c/kg price tag. The main lines of heifers sold from 210-263c/kg.

Steers suitable for the trade were in short supply and buyers were selective when making purchase due in part to the lack of fat cover. Prices eased 5c making from 248-290c/kg.

Heavy grown steers and bullocks were in reasonable supply and feedlot competition from Queensland helped set a floor in rates.

Heavy steers and bullocks sold 2-3c easier making from 225-269c/kg. Heavy steers to feed on made from 255-272c averaging 263c/kg.

It was an excellent yarding of 710 cows with weight well above 680kg for a sixty percent of the offering. Heavy cows were unchanged making from 192-214c/kg. Leaner types sold at 160-198c/kg. Store cows were keenly sought selling at 185-227c/kg.