Yarding 3100 Change -555

This week’s offering of just over 3100 cattle at Wagga declined by 555. Quality remains mixed, with limited supplies of top-quality domestic trade cattle.

Trade prices softened as buyer demand became patchy as the sale progressed. Young cattle suitable for the trade generally experienced a 15c dip in value, although, there were times where plainer conditioned stock which struggled to attract buyers

European steers and their crosses commanded the better trade prices and steers 400-500kg generally made from 300- 350c averaging 331c/kg.  Medium weight trade heifers were in better conditioned however this didn’t help competition. The better finished lines sold from 300-330c to average 321c/kg.

Weaker feedlot competition saw secondary heifer and steer prices slide 15- 30c/kg. Lighter weight feeder heifers 330-400kg to feed on made from 300-354c while the medium weight sold 30c cheaper. Secondary steers lacked the quality and demand from previous weeks to average 345c/kg.

Prices were notably weaker for Heavy grown steers 500-600kg in a smaller offering than the previous sale. Heavy steers were up to 18c cheaper as processors weren’t prepared to chase the market,. Most of the better finished younger steers made from 290c-344c/kg. Bullock quality varied which resulted in a cheaper trend of 18c/kg. The better covered bullocks selling from 300-340c/kg.

Cow numbers continue to remain high with agents offering just over 930 head. Bidding was significantly weaker with buyers becoming selective. The weaker demand saw prices fall 15c with heavy cows averaging 279c/kg

Market reporter: Leann Dax

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