Wagga Cattle Report

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Report Date: 16th September 2024

Total Yarding: 3,600

Commentary

Numbers slipped only slightly as dry weather across some parts of the supply area create challenges for some vendors, with water becoming an issue. Overall, the quality of the cattle improved with more well finished heavy steers and bullocks were in the mix. The feeder steer market sold to softer trends, though competition and demand at times was very erratic. While prices saw a uptick in bidding toward the middle of the sale, very few steers fetched prices above 400c/kg. There was good- numbers of light weight steers, heifers, in the offering with the steer portion selling to stronger price trends. Light weight steers returning to the paddock sold from 380c to 446c/kg to average $1054 across the board.

Trade cattle suitable for domestic processors were in good numbers however buyers were unable to outbid feedlots on many occasions. Trade steers and heifers sold within a range of 340c to 394c/kg. Feeder steers 400 to 500kg experienced a decline of 9c, while lighter weights dipped 15c/kg. Medium-weight feeder steers traded between 310c and 404c/kg, while lighter weights averaged 362c/kg. Medium-weight feeder heifers gained 5c in stronger competition, fetching 310c to 364c/kg.

The export market experienced solid demand, from all export companies. Heavy steers and bullocks were in excellent condition with some off crop and showing plenty of finish. The bulk sold from 320c to 380c/kg. The cow market showed signs of improving from the beginning of the sale with most cow buyers in the fray. Prices for heavy cows strengthened throughout the sale, gaining 7c to average 340c/kg. Leaner cows were in high demand, and this resulted in a price jump of 18c to 20c/kg with very few cows selling below 300c/kg. The main run of D3 cows under 530kg made from 260c to 334c/kg. Big heavy bulls sold from 275c to 320c/kg.