Yarding 3260  Change -515

Numbers experienced a moderate decline and reflected a secondary quality yarding where well-finished cattle were notably scarce. Cows made up nearly a third of the total offering, yet not all exporters participated in the sale, and domestic buyers adopted a selective approach. The absence of some feedlot orders further limited activity, and there was a noticeable reduction in restocker purchases.

Despite the overall decrease in supplies and quality, medium-weight feeder steers were in high demand from the limited pool of buyers. Prices remained stable within the range of 412-524c/kg. In contrast, lighter feeder steers saw a slight drop, with prices decreasing by 5c, settling between 440-544c/kg. Light-weight steers destined for paddocks sold primarily to local buyers, averaging $1292/head. Feeder heifers sold to erratic demand with the light weights slipping 10c making from 439-473c/kg. Medium weight feeder heifers saw prices improve as the sale progressed, with medium weights averaging 466c/kg. Trade heifers and steers, traded between 440-470c/kg.

However, heavy steers and bullocks were limited, which distorted price trends. These heavy categories ranged from 410-474c/kg. In the cow sale, quality slipped, particularly with the scarcity of larger heavy cows over 700kg. Heavy cows experienced a 22c drop in price, selling at 365-394c/kg. Leaner cows weighing under 520kg traded between 318-372c/kg, while store cows remained stable, selling for 320-380c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

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