Yarding 3600 Change 100

Cattle prices at Wagga were generally weaker in a similar sized yarding of 3600.  The market faced considerable pressure as secondary cattle out pace demand due to the drying conditions.

Lighter weight cattle and plainer types were most affected by the cheaper market as they relied on feedlot and restocker competition to hold their value.

Store steers sold to significantly weaker price trends with a predicted dry spring on producer’s minds. Steers back to the paddock dipped up to 40c in places making from 220-314c/kg. The heifer portion mostly sold to back grounders with restockers happy to sit on the side lines. A few pens made from 188-225c/kg

Feeder heifers held their value best resulting in rates unchanged to 5c easier. Feeder heifers sold at 240-304c/kg.

Feeder steers sold to a smaller field of buyers, with buyers not wanting to pick a horse and ride it!  Another factor to hamper demand was quality, with fewer lines of well-bred steers coming through. The bulk of the feed steers sold 16c cheaper selling from 260-318c with an odd pen to 323c/kg.

Trade heifers sold 12c dearer as a major domestic processors scrambled for supplies.  The main lines of heifers sold from 290-248c/kg.

Steers suitable for the trade were in reasonable supply and buyers were selective when making purchase due in part to the lack of fat cover. Prices gained 5c making from 320-360c/kg.

Heavy grown steers and bullocks were in reasonable supply and feedlot competition for younger steers helped set a floor in rates.

The best of the heavy steers and bullocks sold to dearer trends making from 310-359c/kg. Heavy steers to feed on selling from 315-335c averaging 324c/kg.

It was a mixed quality yarding of just over 900 cows. Heavy cows gained 12c making from 260-294c/kg. Leaner types sold at 200-276c/kg.

To view full NLRS Wagga report click here