Yarding 4100 Change -875

Cattle prices reflected the variation in demand at Wagga market this week, ranging from cheaper to dearer in a smaller offering of 4100 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 heavy steers was generally unchanged to a few cents cheaper fetching 288-344c/kg. Bullocks sold 40c cheaper which was a reflection on the quality, prices ranged from 260-302c to average 284c/kg. Heavy heifers 500-600kg sold 10c cheaper while 600kg plus lifted 9c making from 288-313c/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 306c for a pen of medium weight steers, with most pens of lighter weights selling from 240-275c/kg.

Rates for trade heifers did fall before recovering somewhat as the sale progressed. Heifers suitable for the trade 400-500kg slipped 6c making from 270c-315c/kg. Lighter weight heifers suitable for the trade slipped 18c making from 210-306c/kg.

Despite a very good selection of trade steers with good numbers supplementary fed prices dipped 5c to average 306c/kg.

Yearling steers were well supplied and reduced feedlot competition contributed to feeder steers 330-400kg selling 10c cheaper. Medium weight feed steers remained unchanged making from 265-318c/kg.

It was a similar story for the feeder heifer market with less feedlot orders in place.  The lack of demand meant rates dipped 5c with the bulk of the heifers selling from 248-286c/kg.

In the cow market numbers declined with just over 800 penned. All weights and grades were represented. Prices slipped of 5 -9c across the board. Heavy cows sold from 238-266c/kg. Leaner grades ranged from 190-234c/kg. There was some restocker demand on younger light weight store conditioned lines fetching 180-226c/kg.

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