Rain in the north drove rates higher at Wagga in a bigger yarding of 4100. In a mixed quality offering the market added to last week’s rise with some prices 5-12c dearer.

The highlight of the sale was the cow market. Northern companies were the market drivers lifting heavy cow rates 9c/kg. The better finished types sold at 206-226c/kg. Leaner grades surged 9-12c pushed along by understocked restockers in the north. Lean cows topped at 212c to average 201c/kg. Increased store orders saw prices fluctuate, with the younger cows making from 190-217c/kg.

Heavy steers and bullocks sold to weaker trends of 3-9c/kg which was mostly quality related. Heavy steers 500-600kg averaged 257c while bullocks sold from 250-275c/kg.

Demand for well-bred steers 330-400 kg outstriped supply, with prices up to 10c dearer in places. Overall rates lifted 4-8c making from 260-317c/kg. Heavy feeder steers sold to solid demand from northern feedlots lifting 3-4c to sell at 260-305c/kg.

Feeder heifers 330-400kg was the darlings of the day with increased competition pushing rates 8-10c higher. The main line of heifers sold from 238-279c while light weights topped at 292c/kg. Heavier feeder heifers gained a few cents making from 250-270c/kg.

In the trade market yearling steers and heifers suitable to slaughter were limited. Trade steers sold 4c dearer making from 257-294c/kg. Trade heifers sold to stronger demand benefiting from solid competitor from feedlots. Heifers to slaughter gained 9c making from 250-272c/kg.

The best of the vealers sold 316c while other small lots sold at 252-3102c/kg. Ends….