At Wagga in a yarding of 3555, the market saw mixed trends with some categories of heifers gaining momentum as the sale progressed.

Bidding activity lifted at times across yearling steer categories, but buyers insisted on steers being very well-bred Angus types and over 400kg.

The absence of several usual buyers, including a major Queensland feedlot, significantly affected prices. Despite fewer background orders, restockers from Dubbo and the local area remained active.

The reduced presence of feedlot buyers in the steer market caused a downward trend in prices. Feeder steers experienced a price drop of 20c to 30c/kg, especially among the lighter weights. Heavy steers, weighing between 500 to 600kg, sold within the range of 283c to 408c/kg. Feed steers, weighing 400 to 500kg, sold from 290c to 390c, averaging 353c/kg. Feeder heifers faced strong competition from feedlots, with prices remaining similar to the previous sale, selling between 288c and 351c/kg. Trade cattle were limited, and some domestic processors were highly selective, with steers and heifers selling between 298c and 384c/kg. Restockers showed interest in lightweight categories, pushing up prices for quality types. Better-bred steers fetched prices from 300c to 396c/kg, averaging $803 per head.

In the export market, competition remained inconsistent, with some pens of steers appearing wintery. Heavy steers and bullocks sold between 240c and 338c/kg. A shortage of well-finished heavy steers and bullocks led processors to focus on large heavy heifers, with prices rising 18c to average 318c/kg. Heavy cows  gained 20c selling between 250c and 288c/kg, while leaner types made significant gains, trading from 190c to 245c/kg.

Market Reporter: Leann Dax