Wagga Sale Yards: Cattle Market Update

Market Overview

Yarding: 5,175 Change: +175

In a surprising turn of events, even with the weekend’s rainfall, the Wagga cattle market witnessed a significant increase in yarding this morning. A predominance of secondary cattle types were presented, while only a few met the stringent requirements set forth by domestic and export processors.

Price Trends

The recent rains had a tangible effect on pricing, leading to a general upward trend across most classes. This increase was primarily driven by restockers motivated by favorable weather conditions, which saw heightened interest from buyers in the northern regions.

As the market progressed, there was a marked increase in feedlot orders, particularly mid-morning. The consistent demand contributed to a strengthening market throughout the day.

Trade Cattle Insights

Notably, there were several high-quality vealers available this week, capturing the attention of trade buyers willing to pay premium prices, ranging from 440-492c/kg. Furthermore, both trade steers and heifers saw an increase in demand, trading between 450-498c/kg.

Restockers played a crucial role in influencing market trends, notably contributing to an 11c increase for steers in the 200-280kg range, which averaged around $1,334/head. Heifers within the same weight class averaged $1,055, marking a 27c/kg increase.

Demand for Feed Heifers

There was a surge in interest for feed heifers, spurred by an influx of orders within the market. Heifers in the 330-400kg range experienced a 25c increase in prices, trading between 440-488c/kg, while those in the 280-330kg segment peaked at 480c/kg. Feeder steers in the 330-400kg category attracted significant buyer interest, with prices ranging from 430-530c/kg.

Export Market Overview

On the export side, supply fell short with a limited number of heavy steers available. Prices rose by 16c for heavy steers suitable for processors, while bullocks fetched between 422-480c/kg. The cow market saw an increase in numbers, exceeding 2,000 head, with processors and restockers actively participating in the sale.

Heavy cows improved by 7c to average 402c/kg, and leaner cows under 520kg were in high demand, traded by a wide array of buyers. Pricing for cows sold to processors ranged from 334-388c/kg, and those destined for paddocks made between 334-382c/kg.

Market Reporter: Leann Dax

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