Numbers surged at Wagga  to 5100 with spring hitting a pivotal moment, many vendors choosing to sell instead of risking a dry season ahead.

For instance, a property in the Riverina trucked 550 cattle to the sale.

Most of the usual buying group was present at the sale.

The yarding was mixed quality  however, heavy export classes were well-finished and carried plenty of weight. A significant number of weaner cattle under 300kg were offered, with most heading north due to limited demand from local restockers. Light-weight steers experienced a decline, slipping 90c back to the paddock, selling between 265c and 444c/kg.

Feeder steers and heifers saw solid competition, with both categories remaining unchanged. Medium-weight feeder steers sold for 310c to 392c, while the heifer portion ranged from 250c to 369c/kg. In the export market, competition was noticeably weaker, with fewer buyers present. Prices for heavy steers dropped by 25c, selling at 300c to 370c, while the price for Bullocks slipped by 15c, making from 300c to 380c/kg.

 The cow market struggled, with buyers unwilling to bid past 330 cents, and only one pen reaching 336c/kg. Overall, prices were 20 cents cheaper for well-finished cows, selling between 300c and 336c/kg. Lighter grades under 530kg were hit particularly hard, with prices falling by 40 cents, bulk selling from 260 to 300c/kg.

Market Reporter: Leann Dax

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