A shortage of well finished trade and export cattle lifted rates in a similar sized yarding of 3,765 cattle at Wagga.

The highlight of the sale was the export market when prices stepped-up another 18-24c/kg. Grain fed steers and heifers ignited the bidding with both export and domestic buyers keen to secure numbers. Heavy steers 500-600 kg consistently made from 286-322c/kg. Grain-fed bullocks reached a top price of 324c to average 311c/kg. Meanwhile the grain-fed heifer portion drove the market 26c higher selling at 292c-318c/kg. Sales of grass finished and plainer shaped heifers ranged from 232c-275c/kg.

Supply pressure built in the trade heifer run, due to the lack of finished trade steers. Trade heifers averaged 13c dearer making from 286c to 325c/kg.

Trade steers were limited and lacked quality of previous sales. The few better finished steers sold from 312-325c/kg.

The best price recorded for the limited number of vealer was 332c, while other sales ranged from 290-330c/kg. There was more interest from restockers and lot feeders for vealers lacking finish and rates lifted 8-18c higher.   Steers returning to the paddock fetched from 300-360.2c/kg.

Feeder steer competition fluctuated and prices for medium weight steers 400-500kg eased 3c selling from 289-333c/kg. Lighter feeders steer rates were helped along by strong restocker competition to leave prices unchanged to 3c dearer making from 300-344c/kg.

In the cow market rates strengthened 6c for higher yielding heavy beef cows. Heavy beef cows made from 222-251c/kg. Leaner grades were along by strong restocker demand looking to turnout cows on oat and wheat crops. Lean cows to slaughter lifted 3-4c to average 219c/kg. Store cows sold up to 15c dearer fetching 156-213c/kg cwt.