Wagga Saleyards Report: Market Insights Before Christmas Break

Market Overview

In the lead-up to the Christmas break, Wagga Saleyards witnessed a notable decrease in cattle numbers, totaling 4,100 head, reflecting a change of -2,889 from the previous sale. While the quality of livestock remained secondary, feedlots demonstrated robust purchasing activity. Remarkable prices were driven by large groups of premium Angus steers and heifers.

Price Patterns

The limited availability of trade steers and heifers, sold between 440–454c/kg, contrasts sharply with the active demand for feeder steers. Particularly, light-weight feeder steers, weighing 300–409kg, saw an increase of approximately 33c, ranging from 418–535c/kg. Medium-weight feeder steers additionally fetched marginally higher prices within the 422–506c/kg bracket.

Feeder heifers were sufficiently available, and despite fewer orders, quality offerings experienced a price lift of about 16-20c. These medium-weight heifers typically sold between 430–454c/kg.

Processor Participation

As the holiday season approaches, export processors showed a general quietness. Heavy steers and bullocks ideal for processing were traded between 405–455c/kg, with overall purchasing remaining subdued. Participation from processors in the cow market was inconsistent; some were inactive while others were selective.

Heavy cows saw a drop of around 30c, selling in the range of 355–395c/kg, whereas leaner cows under 520kg faced heightened competition from processors and restockers but still slipped about 13c to settle between 333–372c/kg.

Conclusion

The Wagga Saleyards’ performance leading into the holidays has presented a mix of challenges and opportunities for vendors and buyers alike. With processors showing caution and premium prices for select Angus livestock, the market dynamics continue to evolve.

Market Reporter: Leann Dax

Source: NLRS.
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