Wagga Cattle Report
Report Date: 4th May 2026
Total Yarding: 4,100
Commentary
Last week sale saw no sale due to the Anzac public holiday, but the arrival of much-needed rain over the weekend brought numbers back. The quality of livestock remains predominantly secondary, although there were a few standout well-finished trade and heavy export stock in the mix. The usual buyers were present at the sale, actively participating, but the market initially struggled to gain momentum. However, it gradually picked up, resulting in fluctuating prices throughout the day. Restockers were also active but at times very selective.
Cattle suitable for the trade were scarce, compelling domestic buyers to step up to secure stock. This increased competition, yet trade steers still experienced a price dip of 10c/kg, with limited supply selling in the range of 455-508c/kg. Similarly, trade heifers were also limited, achieving prices between 400-490c/kg
On the feeder side, light and medium-weight heifers attracted keen interest from buyers, leading to a price increase of 10-12c/kg. Medium-weight feeder steers held firm, selling from 430-514c/kg, and lighter weights gained 6c, fetching between 400 -516c/kg. Light-weight steers returning to the paddock saw prices ranging from 390-540c/kg.
Turning to the export market, heavy steers suitable for processors commanded prices from 410-503c/kg. Heavy feeder steers improved significantly, selling from 430-492c/kg, marking an increase of 16c/kg. There was a strong demand for heavy cows from several processors, resulting in a price uptick of 12c/kg. Leaner cows weighing under 520kg experienced a notable price jump, particularly as one processor chased cows that were pregnancy tested in calf. Prices for these cows ranged from 285 to 348c/kg. A notable herd dispersal of a large numbers of cows saw a top price of 570c/kg for those pregnancy tested in calf.