Yarding 6450  Change +300

In recent weeks, the Wagga livestock market has seen an uptick in numbers, with limited rainfall across the region. Agents yarded 6450 head. This dry weather has not deterred feedlot buyers, who were offered big runs of  vendor bred Angus cattle. Domestic buyers were keenly seeking well finished stock, prompting buyers to step up their efforts and offer dearer prices that often exceed those provided by feedlots for the right cattle. Light weight cattle suitable for restocker were in short supply.

The demand for trade steers has been particularly strong, leading to competitive bidding between trade buyers and feedlot operators. This week, trade steers weighing between 400-500kg experienced a 4c increase, with prices ranging from 372c to 406c/kg. Trade heifers have also benefited from excellent quality, with a significant portion of European breeds and their crosses. This resulted in a price lift of 23cc, selling between 354c and 384c/kg. Although feeder steers were well supplied, prices for this category softened slightly in places, with rates easing a few cents. For steers in the 400-500kg range, the bulk of sales were recorded between 320c and 406c/kg. Feeder heifers weighing between 330-400kg sold from 296 to 342c/kg with a lot destined for northern feedlots.

On the export front, the market was really strong as all buyers sought to capture a market share, resulting in significant lift of 25c to 30c/kg  across the various steer categories. Heavy steers destined for processing fetched prices between 344c and 406c, while bullocks commanded similar rates, ranging from 354 to 405c/kg. Heavy cows also saw a gain of 10c, with prices reaching between 276c and 310c/kg The middle run of leaner types sold at a range of 250c to 274c/kg. Store cows sold at 250c to 286c/kg.

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