A Wagga numbers increased by 380 head to 3820 cattle.

Recent market dynamics have posed serious challenges for some vendors, particularly due to water-related issues.

The overall quality of trade cattle has been inconsistent, with limited numbers in the 400-500kg category. The feeder steer market stood out during the sale, with competition and demand notably subdued. While prices improved slightly toward the end of the auction, very few steers sold for more than 400c/kg.

There were big numbers of light weight steers offloaded due to water problems, with strong interest from further north. Steers 200 to 280kg selling from 300c to 466c/kg. The light weight heifer portion sold from 290c to 35c/kg.

Trade cattle suitable for domestic processors were in short supply, leading to mixed demand, as most processors focused primarily on heifers. Trade steers and heifers sold within a range of 318c to 376c/kg. Feeder steers saw a decline of 15c to 35c, with medium-weight steers experiencing the most significant drop. Medium-weight feeder steers traded between 345c and 417c/kg, while lighter weights reached up to 400c/kg. Medium-weight feeder heifers also fell by 12c, with prices ranging from 305c to 357c/kg.

In the export market, demand was stronger, with two major export companies competing strongly for the best-finished pens resulting in a price lift of 8c to 15c/kg. Heavy steers and bullocks sold for prices between 322c and 393c/kg. Heavy heifer with shape improved 17c selling at 322c to 377c/kg.  The cow market showed signs of improvement as two additional processors returned to the market after a brief absence. Prices for heavy cows strengthened throughout the sale, gaining 11c to average 333c/kg, while leaner cows were in high demand, fetching prices from 280c to 328c/kg. Heavy bulls varied in price ranging from 290c to 320c/kg.

Market Reporter: Leann Dax

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