More than 4000 cattle were yarded at Wagga in NSW this week, as feed conditions in the Riverina deteriorate.
Price results tended to be mixed, reflecting supplies and the mixed quality on offer.
On a positive note most of the better finished trade weight cattle were 6-11c dearer due to the limited supplies.
Trade heifers bounced 10c making from 285-332c/kg. Some of the strongest competition came from southern processors, as prime finished cattle supplies dwindle in the south.
Strong bidding for trade steers lifted rates 11c to sell at 305-349c/kg.
In the vealer market prices were robust as southern processors and select butcher orders drove the market 3-9c/kg higher. The highest price recorded was 376c, while the bulk of the vealers ranged from 320-369c/kg.
Feeder steers were well supplied and competition was steady. The main lines of the medium weight feeder steers eased 3c making from 300-346c/kg
The feeder heifer market was erratic which caused a huge price variation. Lighter weight feeder heifers firmed making from 280-363c to average 327c/kg.
Heavy steers 500-600kg sold 10c dearer making from 270-329.6c, while bullocks 600kg plus slipped 13c topping at 304c/kg.
Bidding from restockers helped push cow prices along and cement a floor in rates. Increased store orders saw a large percentage of leaner cows retuned to the paddock. Restockers paid from 185-269.2c/kg. Heavy cows to slaughter slipped 10c making from 220-238c/kg. Leaner cows firmed selling at 185-228c/kg.
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