Wagga Cattle Market Report: A Surge in Sales Amid Mixed Quality

Market Overview

Yarding: 2870 Change: +770

In the aftermath of last week’s robust sales, the cattle market has witnessed a significant uptick. However, the quality of livestock remains inconsistent, with many purchases made predominantly by lot feeders.

Buyer Participation

All the usual buying groups were present at the sale, displaying active participation; however, lot feeders dominated many categories. A notable increase was observed in the number of cattle within the 400-500kg range, a segment particularly appealing to domestic processors. While competition fluctuated across secondary categories, interest in coloured cattle from lot feeders declined, impacting prices negatively.

Price Trends

Trade steers and heifers moved within a range of 440-510c/kg, though steers experienced a decline of 22c/kg. Lightweight feeder steers recorded a downturn, losing 27c to average 513c/kg. Medium-weight feeder steers followed suit, despite notable activity from buyers, dipping by 22c to range between 455-429c/kg. Additionally, the lighter steers, between 200-280kg, saw fewer local buyers, which led to prices dropping by 50c to an average of $1240/head.

Feeder heifer sales exhibited erratic trends; while lighter weights increased by 7c, medium weights fell by 16c, averaging 480c/kg.

Export Market Insights

On the export side, numbers remained limited with most stock directed to lot feeders. Heavy steers and bullocks suited for processors fetched prices between 440-528c/kg, whereas heavy feeder cattle sold within a range of 476-539c/kg. Heavy cows were notably sought after, increasing by 12c to range from 420-455c/kg. Cattle under 520kg faced strong competition as buyers sought to consolidate loads with light weight cows, resulting in prices fluctuating between 330-433c/kg.

Conclusion

Market Reporter: Leann Dax

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