Yarding 3055  Change +185

There was a slight increase in numbers and combining in the total of 555 cows. The overall quality of the cattle remained mostly secondary, with well-finished stock in short supply. However, there were some outstanding lines of Angus cattle vendor bred, igniting bidding that pushed prices up by 50c/kg or more for the better types. Trade cattle were in limited supply, while heavy export cattle were scarce, leading to most of the steers being purchased by feedlots. The usual group of domestic and export buyers attended the sale, although feedlot orders were fewer than expected. There was also, some local restocker competition for lighter weight types.

Trade steers and heifers weighing between 400-500 kg sold for prices ranging from 392-478c/kg. The strongest bidding primarily focused on secondary cattle. Prices for lighter weight steers to background, and weighing between 200-280kg, jumped by 55c, averaging $1,296/head. Similarly, the same-weighted steers returning to the paddock sold between 446-556c/kg. Lighter weight feeder steers 330-400kg remained firm, with a slight decrease of 5c, fetching 411-506c/kg. Medium-weight steers also held their ground, selling for 396-495c/kg. Feeder heifers were subject to some intense bidding duels, with lighter weights gaining 12c and medium weights improving by 11c, topping at 458c/kg.

In the export market, the majority of steers were purchased by feedlots, with bulk of prices ranging from 365 to 470c/kg. A few bullocks were sold once processors entered the fray, fetching between 380-454c/kg. Heavy cows were in high demand, with prices ranging from 354-384c/kg. For cows weighing under 520 g, the market fluctuated considerably, with D2 and D3 cows selling between 246-335c/kg.

Market Reporter Leann Dax.

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