Yarding 5700  Change -300

Numbers fell short of the agents draw, and quality was largely secondary, suiting lot feeders and restockers. Trade cattle in the 400–500 kg range were in short supply, while heavy export cattle saw a decline to. Not all export or domestic processors were operating.  Rain in the north had an immediate effect on the market, lifting prices across most secondary categories. There were more feedlot orders this week, and restockers also stepped up into the fray across lighter weight classes.

There were very few cattle in the 400–500 kg range to suit trade buyers, and heifers and steers generally sold between 410–490 c/kg. A few vealers to suit processors sold from 440–475c/kg. Rain in the north inspired northern restockers and brought extra orders to the market. Prices jumped 20c for steers 280–330/kg returning to the paddock, averaging about 488c/kg or $1,500/head. Feeder steers attracted a bigger group of buyers, which pushed prices higher. Steers 340–400/kg gained 19c, trading in the 420–516c/kg range, while medium weights lifted by 14c to average 475c/kg. Feeder heifers, medium weights, sold 12 dearer making from 395–448 c/kg. Lighter weight feeder heifers were very mixed in quality making from 380-451c/kg.

On the export front heavy cattle were in short supply compared to the previous sale. Heavy steers to suit processors sold 19c cheaper, making from 405–459c/kg. Bullocks improved 5c, ranging from 422-463c/kg. In the cow sale quality slipped markedly, with many plainer types throughout the offering. Heavy cows slipped back 5c, selling from 361–389c/kg. Leaner cows under 520 kg met erratic demand as restockers entered the market seeking younger types and cows pregnancy tested in calf. Prices for lean cows to suit processors lifted on the back of restocker interest, and the better types with cover made 335–368 c/kg. Cows going back to the paddock sold from 300–400 c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

Source: NLRS Click here to view full Wagga report on NLRS website.