Yarding 4520 Change -1620

The cattle supply was notably influenced by wet weather conditions across the region, which hindered trucks and ultimately resulted in numbers falling well short of expectations. The yarding was predominantly secondary cattle, with a significant portion weighing under 400kg. While the usual buyers were present, not all feedlot orders were active in the market. Nevertheless, competition remained robust across most classes, with restockers demonstrating a particularly strong presence, especially for cattle under 400kg. In the export sale, the supply of cattle was limited, prompting feedlots to intensify their purchasing efforts for steers and heifers weighing between 500-600kg. They actively bought all available milk and teeth stock, reflecting a competitive sale.

In the trade market, domestic buyers faced challenges in outbidding feedlots. Trade steers and heifers were sold within the range of 480-566c/kg. Light weight steers weighing 200-280kg saw a slight uptick, averaging $1461/head. For steers in the 280-330kg range, there was a 9c increase, bringing the average to $1691/head. Restockers played a crucial role in the steers weighing 330-400kg, paying an impressive average of $2147/head. Feedlot averages for this weight category were slightly higher at $2265, with prices increasing by 8c/kg. The medium weight feeder steers drew strong demand from northern buyers, gaining 25c to average 600c/kg. Feeder heifers also enjoyed strong momentum as the sale progressed. Lighter weight heifers in the 330-400kg category improved by 34c, averaging 543c/kg, while medium weights saw a slight easing of 12c, selling between 452-558c/kg. Light weight heifers weighing 200-280kg met strong northern demand, resulting in a 12c lift, averaging $1387/head.

In terms of heavy cattle suitable for trade or export, availability was limited, with feedlots dominating across all weight classes. Heavy steers intended for processors sold between 455-512c/kg, while feedlots pushed feeder steers prices up by 54c, resulting in a range of 510-610c/kg. Heavy heifers for processors sold from 444-500c/kg , while heifers  destined for feedlots topped at 550c/kg. During the cow sale, all buyers were active, with heavy cows maintaining stable prices, ranging from 400-432c/kg. However, leaner cows under 520kg experienced a price drop of up to 20c, averaging 340-392c/kg. Store cows sold from 340-444c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

Source: NLRS Click here to view full Wagga report on NLRS website.