Wagga cattle market continued its buoyant run for well- bred secondary cattle in a yarding of 3,655. Prices reached a top of 351c live weight for feeder steers, with feedlots clashing for a market share. In contrast trade cattle values eased 3-9c/kg.
Increased feedlot competition from Moree, Quirindi, Jindalee, and Charlton along with local feedlot orders, helped push lighter weight well-bred steers 330-400kg 7c higher, to reach a top of 351c/kg. Generally this category averaged 340c or $1227. It was more of the same in the heifer run with values lifting 3-5c with lighter weight feeder heifers making from 299-343c/kg.
Early spring rains across NSW and Victoria provided strong restocker competition over lighter weight secondary weaner’s classes, with store orders from Moree, Molong, Yarrawonga and the local area. Well-bed heifers 200-280 kg made from 285-338c to average 308c or $750. Store conditioned heifers weighing 280-320kg averaged 319c or equivalent of $930. Weaner steers were in reduced numbers and the better bred lines 280-330kg ranged from 312-344c/kg.
The lift in trade cattle numbers caused some price variations and basically put a halt to a stronger price trends. Trade steers 400-500kg eased 3c to average 336c/kg. Trade heifers 400-500kg were in greater numbers and buyers weren’t as keen on pushing past 325c, with the bigger numbers to select from. Generally prices fell 9c to average 310c/kg.
Rates held up remarkably well for heavy grown steers and while bullocks were in short supply prices did ease 3c to average 325c/kg. Well finished grown steers made from 300-341c finding solid support from a major supermarket.
The cow market opened weaker but gathered pace as the market progressed. Heavy high yielding cows eased 3c to average 262.4c/kg. Leaner grades were unchanged making from 212-257, with a run of good clean lean types averaging 245c/kg
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