Yarding 2190 Change -910

At Wagga cattle numbers fell significantly on the back of last week’s cheaper market. Agents penned 2190 with almost half the offering cows.

Heavy export cattle prices strengthened with an extra southern buyer helping to push prices higher.

The seasonal shortage of export cattle at some selling centres was reflected in the bullock price, with the better quality pens selling 20c dearer making from 280c-362c/kg.  Heavy grown steers 500-600kg sold to erratic price trends with feedlot buyers selective. Prices improved 5c to average 341ckg. Heavy heifer rates slipped 13c, the better shaped pens selling from 300c-354c/kg.

Vealer numbers declined and quality slipped. Vealers at the top end sold from 280-3380c/kg.

Bidding for medium weight trade steers was influenced by the level of feedlot competition at times. Domestic processors backed off all trade weight categories resulting in a cheaper trend of 5c/kg. Medium weight trade steers topped at 355c to average 330c/kg.

Bigger numbers of well finished yearling heifers suitable for the trade kept a lid on rates, with prices unchanged to a few cents easier . The bulk of the better finished heifers averaged 305c to top at 352c/kg.

Prices for feeder heifers were unchanged on the back a small contingent of feedlot buyers. Medium weight heifers to feed on 400-500kg made from 320c-342c/kg.

Supply wise yearling steers suitable for feedlots were well supplied and restockers entered the fray on steers mostly under 330kg. Feeder steers were unchanged to a few cents dearer, with the medium weights averaging 347c/kg.

The cow market lost its mojo as the sale progressed. Prices were 3-10c cheaper for higher yielding lines to average 276c/kg. Heavy cows made from 255-290c, while good clean lean cows ranged from 200c-255c/kg. Store cows sold from 258c to 314c/kg

Market reporter: Leann Dax

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