Wagga Cattle Report

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Report Date: 14th April 2025

Total Yarding: 7,810

Commentary

This week marked a milestone with a record yarding, driven largely by the absence of rain on the horizon and the upcoming Easter and Anzac holidays. Despite the impressive yarding numbers, the quality of the cattle remained mixed. A considerable portion of the cattle on offer weighed under 500kg. Notably, cow numbers surged to 1,995. However, the increase saw a decline in overall quality, with a large proportion of leaner types entering the mix. The sale attracted a big field of buyers, many of whom were actively seeking cattle for feedlot and restocking orders. Buyers appeared to be exercising greater discretion, particularly across all coloured cattle classes

As the Easter break approaches, domestic buyers ramped up their purchasing, leading to a notable uptick in trade prices for those cattle weighing between 400 to 500kg. The demand for well finished stock pushed prices higher by 40-70c/kg as they engage in long bidding duels against feedlots. This resulted in trade steers and heifers selling at prices ranging from 372 to 432c/kg. In the feeder market, price trends have shown some fluctuations, although certain breeds have remained firm, with a few cents increase noted in specific areas. Feeder steers weighing between 400-500/kg have sold at prices between 320 and 421, while lighter weights have reached up to 432c/kg. Meanwhile, medium-weight feeder heifers have experienced strong competition, with prices ranging from 336-375c, gaining an additional 5c/kg. However, restockers have been more cautious, seeking bargains and showing restraint in their bidding activities. Notably, weaner steers returning to the paddock have fetched impressive prices, reaching up to 449c/kg.

In the export market, processors have demonstrated significantly stronger demand, outbidding feedlots for the better-finished types. Heavy steers have sold between 310 and 423, while heavy heifers have topped at 404c/kg. The availability of bullocks has been limited, with prices ranging from 314-365c/kg. The cow market has presented a mixed bag, with initial sales showing subdued bidding. However, as more processors entered the fray, heavy cows saw a price drop of up to 39, selling between 272-317c/kg. The middle run of leaner types has traded at prices between 220-276 cents per kilogram.