In a similar sixed yarding of 3,600 a boat order and feedlot competition had the greatest influence on the cattle market at Wagga. Quality was variable and prices showed some healthy gains on the back of widespread rain.

Trade cattle benefited from increased competition and posted dearer rates, while secondary cattle prices varied at times according to competition and breeding. Trade steer rates were somewhat distorted due to the limited supply showing a 21c lift making from 268-295c/kg. Plainer steers to slaughter averaged 274c/kg.

A shortage of well finished trade steers saw heifer prices spike throughout the market of up to 12c/kg helping regain most of last week’s losses. The better shaped making from 245c to 274c/kg.

Vealers suitable for the trade were in reasonable supply and quality improved to the previous sale, with the better finished vealers selling 10c dearer making from 280c-311c/kg.

The feeder market continued to find some traction, for lighter weight feeders steers 330-400kg. A boat order pushed rates along by up by 14c to average 296c/kg.  In contrast the medium weight steers managed a 3c rise selling from 262c-292c/kg. Feeder heifer competition stepped up, aided by a few more orders. The lighter weight portion jumped 10c while the medium weights lifted 18c making from 258-267c/kg.

Prices for heavy grown steers and bullocks topped at 278c, with younger well finished Angus steers helping to keep the bidding strong. The better finished pens made from 250-277c achieving a dearer trend of 3c/kg. Bullocks were the hot ticket item with several major processors bidding strongly for a market share. Bullocks gained 20c making from 264-278c/kg.

Cow numbers remained high with 780 penned. Processors from Queensland and Victoria lifted heavy cow rates by 6c/kg. Heavy beef cows sold from 198-218c/kg. Leaner cows averaged 7c dearer making from 185-204c/kg. There were numerous store orders and cows returning to the paddock fetched from 182-203c/kg