Yarding 4035 Change 775

It was a solid market at Wagga yesterday for trade cattle. Agents yarded just over 4000 cattle and quality was generally good to fair, however there was quite a tail in the offering across lighter weight categories.

In early sales there was weaker demand for lighter weight secondary yearlings.  The cheaper price trend was aided by fewer restocking orders. Yearling weaner type steers made from 150-285c/kg. The heavier feeder steers sold at 255-313c/kg

Feeder heifer competition waned slightly and prices dipped 5c for the lighter weight portion to average 279c/kg.  Medium weight heifers to feed on were unchanged selling from 255c to 295c averaging 286c/kg.

Trade cattle sold to mixed price trends with the supplementary fed portion igniting the bidding. Trade steers were firm topping at 318c to average 310c/kg.  The focus then shifted to purchasing well finished yearling heifers which were supplementary fed or finished on crop. The better shaped heifers sold 4c cheaper making from 240c to 300c/kg.

Vealers suitable for the trade were in short supply and prices for odd pen lots were cheaper which quality was related. The best price vealer was 295c/kg for a pen of European cross steer calves. Other sales ranged from 255-290c/kg

Rates for heavy grown steers and bullocks showed how the market is still struggling to find a balance between supply and demand.  Heavy steers 500-600kg surged 25c from 266-307c/kg. Bullock prices sold to stronger competition and gained 10c selling from 262-309c/kg.

The supply of beef cows remained high, over 1,100 penned.  All buyers attended with leaner grades keenly sought. The better quality beef cows made from 219- 256c/kg.  Despite solid  competition leaner grades dipped 5c making from 150-2c/kg.

• To view full NLRS sale report click here