Wagga Yards See Increased Market Activity Post-Easter Break

Market Overview

Yarding: 3,700 Change: +440

Following the Easter holiday break, Wagga Yards experienced an uptick in numbers, with the market largely reflecting a yarding predominantly consisting of store cattle, alongside some excellent trade and heavy export cattle.

The usual buyers were present; however, there was a noticeable dip in demand within the feedlot and restocking categories.
This week’s market lacked the fervor observed two weeks prior, yet there were still impressive sales recorded for feeder types.

Pricing Dynamics

Lightweight steers weighing between 200-280 kg saw a decline of 35 cents, averaging $1,227, while the heifer portion averaged $928 per head.
Demand for feeder steers in the lighter range of 330-400 kg remained strong, leading to a price increase of 15 cents, with prices ranging from 470-536 cents/kg.
In contrast, medium-weight feeder steers faced varying levels of competition, resulting in a drop of 14 cents, selling between 456-512 cents/kg.
Medium-weight feeder heifers also decreased by 11 cents, fetching sales between 410-474 cents/kg.

The trade cattle weighing 400-500 kg saw an increase in numbers, with notably good quality, including grain-assisted offerings.
Trade steers and heifers sold within the range of 427-520 cents/kg.

Heavy Export Cattle

Heavy export numbers were also on the rise, driven by increased competition, particularly with the improved quality compared to the previous sale.
Heavy steers and bullocks commanded prices between 445-499 cents/kg.
Heavy cows saw fluctuating competition, resulting in prices that remained stable to slightly higher, averaging 381 cents/kg.
However, cows weighing under 520 kg faced weaker demand, with prices easing by 10 cents, particularly for the better-covered types, which sold between 330-365 cents/kg.

Market Reporter: Leann Dax

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