Yarding 3680 Change -2900

Cattle prices reflected the variation in demand at Wagga market this week, ranging from cheaper to dearer in a much smaller offering of 3680 cattle.

The usual field of spring buyers attended and weaker export competition generally put a halt to the dearer rates of last week. Prices for both heavy steers and bullocks were generally unchanged to a few cents cheaper fetching 255-286c/kg. Heavy grown heifers 500kg plus sold 5c cheaper and were underpinned by lack of supply. The better shaped pens sold from 235-265c/kg.

Vealers were limited and quality was quite mixed to the previous sale as the pressure of ongoing dry weather showed across some pen lots. The highest price recorded was 240c for a pen of lighter weight steers, with most pens of lighter weights selling from 230-238c/kg.

Rates for trade heifers did fall before recovering somewhat as the sale progressed. Heifers suitable for the trade 400-500kg slipped 7c making from 220c-268c/kg. Lighter weight heifers suitable for the trade slipped 27c making from 240-253c/kg.

Yearling steers were well supplied and strong northern feedlot demand saw most feeder steers selling firm to a few cents dearer. The better shaped steers and, with some pen lots grain fed made from 255c-310c/kg.

It was a similar story for the feeder heifer market with a few more feedlots orders in place.  The shortage of well-bred heifers lifted the market 3c with the bulk of the heifers selling from 220-277c/kg.

In the cow market numbers halved with only 840 penned. All weights and grades were represented. Gains of 5 -10c were recorded as the market reacted to a large field of buyers and less numbers. Heavy cows sold from 206-232c/kg. Leaner grades were keenly sought making from 155-220c/kg. There was some restocker demand on younger light weight store conditioned lines fetching 145-192c/kg.

To view full NLRS report click here