Yarding 6580 Change 550

The volatile market continued this week at Wagga as another wave of secondary cattle hit the sale. Prices varied amongst categories managing a big lift for Angus feeder heifers. But the general trend for beef cattle was weaker.

Bidding for young secondary yearling cattle remained erratic, with restockers still unsure of the season and restricted by water and feed issues. After significant price fluctuations over recent weeks, restocker demand weakened and rates slipped 12c/kg. Lighter weight steers 200-280kg were hardest hit selling at 174-246c/kg.

In the yearling trade steer market the best price recorded was 275c for the limited few. The bulk of the steers averaged 256c/kg.

Trade heifer market prices lifted 7c/kg with competition erratic at times influenced by feedlot competition. Trade heifers 400-500kg made from 240-275c/kg.

Vealers were in short supply and prices at the top end drifted only 6c/kg. The limited supplies sold from 240-282c/kg.

Prices for genuine heavy slaughter steers 500-600kg were unchanged to 4c cheaper. The better finished steers sold at 266-282c/kg. Bullocks were too few to quote with one pen selling at 262c/kg.

Agents mustered more than 1750 cows with all weights and grades represented. The main run of heavy beef cows eased 8c to average 220c/kg.  Leaner types met strong demand from a large group of buyers resulting in a dearer trend of 7c/kg. The D2 and D3 portion made from 165-208c/kg.

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