At wagga numbers lifted moderately to 2,190 in mixed quality yarding.

Reduced numbers at selling centres last week help fuel a rate rise for secondary cattle on Monday. Prices for most young cattle stepped up another 3-10c with some categories spiking up to 30c/kg.

Supply pressure for feeder cattle seems to be building, judging by the increased demand for well-bred steers and heifers as the market progressed.

Light weight steers to back-ground 200-280kg gained 3c and more in places with a top price of 334c/kg recorded for Angus steers.

All categories of steers in the feeder market experienced a jump in prices of 4-7c, with the bulk of the yearling offering selling to feedlots. Medium weight feeder’s steers topped at 302c to average 288c/kg. Lighter weight feeder steer 330-400kg was keenly sought making from 276c-308c/kg.

Lighter weight feeder heifers 330-400kg was in solid demand selling firm topping at 272c to average 264c/kg.

There was reasonable numbers of lighter weight store conditioned weaner heifers, which attracted strong bidding from restockers. There were no flat spots in the market with heifers back to the paddock 280-320kg selling from 268c-287c/kg to average $854.

The trade market experienced stronger competition from domestic processors, as buyers struggled to fill orders. Medium weight grass finished heifers to slaughter lifted 12c reaching a top price of 318c to average 268c/kg. The better finished steers sold to processors averaging 11c dearer making from 244c-288c/kg.

A shortage of heavy export cattle helped cement a floor in rates. The good quality lines of heavy grown steers 500 -600kg mostly sold to feedlots topping at 267c/kg. The heavy steers to slaughter eased 3c to average 250c/kg. Bullocks were limited resulting in a dearer trend. Prices consistently ranged from 255-270c with a single pen selling to 275c/kg.

The cow market opened on a stronger note with and extra major northern processor pushing rates 14c-22c higher. Well finished cows sold from 206c-228c/kg. A run of leaner cows made from 200-216c while plainer types sold from 160-198c/kg. Ends…