Wagga agents offered a much smaller sized yarding of only 1,800. Prices did fluctuate throughout the sale dependent on who was buying.
Looking at the bigger picture there were signs that restockers have faith and are prepared for the moment to push prices upwards by 5-18c/kg. Like the season some light weight cattle offered had been set back by hot dry conditions, while other lines were in forward store condition showing some freshness. Weaner steers consistently sold from 280c-349c and up to 337c, for the lighter weights less than 200kg which equated to $527
It was a good result for weaner heifers returning to the paddock given the view quality was quite mixed. Prices rose 20c for well-bred lines weighing 200-280kg to average 285c/kg.
The bulk of the yearling cattle offered sold to feedlots, with only limited numbers selling to domestic processors. Trade heifers gained 8c/kg due in part to increased competition from the south. Trade heifers sold from 240-268c to average 255c/kg. There was only 1 single pen of yearling steers to the trade and they sold at 260c/kg.
Apart from a few standout lines the feeder steers the market was mostly firm. Medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 240-297c, while the lighter weights 330-400kg sold from 264-298c to average 288c/kg.
There were reasonable numbers of well-bred secondary heifers which met stronger demand from feedlots. Increased competition from the north pushed prices 8c/kg higher. Heifers 330-400kg was keenly sought making from 250c-268c/kg.
The export market lacked competition however choice pens did attract an extra buyer. The better finished pens made from 240-265c/kg. Despite a shortage of bullocks, rates dipped 12c/kg. Heavy bullocks sold from 230-248c/kg.
There was stronger buying competition from the south in the cow market and this helped drive rates up 8c higher. Heavy cows made from 196-212c/kg. Leaner grades sold 5c dearer making from 155-194c/kg.
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