Secondary cattle were up to 30c dearer at Wagga yesterday. In a much smaller yarding of 3540 head, quality was variable as were the prices.

In early sales there was a lift in the level of demand for secondary yearlings, inspired by soaking rains over the weekend. Local and southern store orders were plentiful and weaner steers returning to the paddock sold 20-30c dearer. The much dearer price trend was aided by stronger competition from feedlot buyers. The well-bred weaner steers 230-290kg made from 237c-264c/kg. With increasing numbers of secondary heifers being sold to feedlots, restockers found the going tough and paid from 205c-215c/kg with prices unchanged to 5c dearer.

The feeder market continued to show promise with the lighter weight feeders steers 280-330kg jumping 21c. Well-bred steers were keenly sought and feedlots paid 240c-256.6c/kg. In contrast the medium weight steers managed a 10c rise making from 235c-262c/kg. Feeder heifer competition waned slightly and prices slipped 7c for the lighter weight portion to average 224c/kg. Medium weight heifers to feed on were slightly better selling from 216c to 238c lifting 2c/kg.

Trade cattle prices were mostly firm with some domestic buyers unable to match the stronger feedlot competition. Trade steers average 245c to top at 252c/kg. The focus instead shifted to purchasing well finished yearling heifers with buyers pushing prices out to 250.2c/kg. The better shaped heifers made from 230c to 248c/kg.

Vealers suitable for the trade were in short supply and quality slipped to the previous sale, with the better finished fresh vealers selling from 238c-255c/kg.

Prices for heavy grown steers and bullocks topped at 253c with younger steers helping to keep the bidding strong. The better finished pens made from 220-252c a dearer trend of 4c/kg.

The supply of beef cows remained very high and most, better quality beef cows sold firm making from 190- 205c/kg. Plainer cows sold between 172-186c/kg. There were numerous store orders and cows returning to the paddock made from 161-196c/kg.

View full NLRS sale reports from markets around Australia in Beef Central’s markets section