Yarding 6440 Change 50

The rain received across a large swathe of Queensland and NSW is affecting prices at Wagga.

Surprisingly bigger numbers helped fuel another rates rise, with secondary cattle stealing the limelight in a offering of 6440 cattle.

One of the highlights of the sale was weaner steers 200-280kg which reached a high of 465c/kg. The surge in prices for secondary cattle meant store steers rates jumped 26c to the previous market, to average 389c/kg or the equivalent of $970.  Heifers returning to the paddock attracted a large contingent of store buyers to record a top of 361c, while other sales for well-bred heifers fetched from 302-349c/kg.

Rain in the north drove feeder steer prices in all weight ranges, with northern feedlots dominating the market. Stronger demand for feeder steers 330-400kg saw rates lift 12c to average 359c/kg.  Medium weight feeder steers sold 19c dearer regularly making from 305-395c/kg.

Meanwhile the feeder heifer market bounced, with major feedlot orders lifting rates 24c/kg. As the market progressed heifer prices continued to firm reaching a top of 358c to average 339c/kg.  Medium weight secondary heifers were in shorter supply and the better quality heifers gained 24c selling at 320-354c/kg.

Robust demand from feedlots kept domestic processors mostly on the sidelines with very few steers selling to the trade. Trade steers 400-500kg sold from 320-340c/kg. Trade heifer quality improved with some pens grain fed. The better finished trade heifers sold 29c dearer making from 297-339c/kg.

Grown steers and bullocks were in reasonable numbers and quality was quite was very good. Buyers paid up to 350c for young Angus steers 500-600kg which contributed to a dearer trend of 21c/kg. Competition between exporters was very strong at times and saw the bulk of the better quality bullocks making from 302-338c a dearer trend of 4c/kg.

There were signs that export processors are prepared to push the market higher, due to diminishing cow numbers in the north. High yielding beef cows jumped 14c to average 292c/kg. Leaner cows were keenly sought by processors and restockers which resulted in rates increasing by 16c some sales more. Most D2 and D3 types making from 250-290c/kg. Store cows sold to dizzy heights with pregnancy tested Angus cows in calf weighing just over 600kg making 304c/kg. Plain store cows returning to the paddock sold at 260-286c/kg.    Ends…..

 

To view full NLRS sale report click here