Wagga Wagga Saleyards Weekly Report: Market Trends and Insights

Market Overview

Yarding: 3260 | Change: -515

This week saw a moderate decline in numbers at the Wagga Wagga saleyards, reflecting a yarding of secondary quality overall, with well-finished cattle significantly scarce. Notably, cows made up almost one-third of the total offerings, yet participation from exporters was limited, resulting in a selective stance from domestic buyers. The absence of feedlot orders further constrained market activity, leading to a noticeable reduction in restocker purchases.

Price Trends

Despite the overall decrease in supply and quality, medium-weight feeder steers remained in high demand from a restricted pool of buyers. Prices stayed stable, ranging between 412-524c/kg. Conversely, lighter feeder steers experienced a slight decline, with a 5c drop, settling between 440-544c/kg. Local buyers primarily purchased light-weight steers for paddock grazing, averaging $1292/head.

Feeder heifers exhibited erratic demand, with light weights slipping to 439-473c/kg, a decline of 10c. However, medium-weight feeder heifers saw prices improve during the sale, averaging 466c/kg. Trade heifers and steers traded within a range of 440-470c/kg.

Cow Sales and Quality Analysis

Heavy steers and bullocks were limited in availability, distorting price trends; they ranged from 410-474c/kg. In the cow sale, quality decreased, particularly regarding larger heavy cows over 700kg. Heavy cows saw a price drop of 22c, trading at 365-394c/kg. Leaner cows weighing under 520kg sold between 318-372c/kg, while store cows maintained stability at 320-380c/kg.

Market Reporting

Market Reporter: Leann Dax

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