Wagga Cattle Report
Report Date: 3rd Augsut 2026
Total Yarding: 3,495
Commentary
The market saw a noticeable decline in numbers, following last week’s cheaper trends. The overall quality of the yarding remains mixed however there is a lot more cover on secondary types, and there has been an increase in the supply of well finished trade cattle weighing between 330-500kg. Many of the better-finished stock were either crop finished or grain fed, enhancing their appeal to domestic processors. Competition among processors intensified, with many actively seeking the right stock despite demand from feedlots. However, not all feedlots are as engaged this week with several buyers only bidding to a certain price level. The reduced supply of stock has helped maintain a floor in prices. Restockers have been quieter, primarily due to a lack of lightweight steers and heifers under 280kg.
Demand for trade steers has seen a step up, with prices for well-finished stock rising by 15c/kg. Steers weighing between 400-500kg fetched prices ranging from 520-568c/kg. Trade heifers, while fair in quality, have not attracted all buyers, resulting in prices slipping and selling between 480-529c/kg. The feeder steer market has shown signs of strengthening as sales progressed, with lighter weights improving in price by 8c , while medium weights have remained firm or slipped slightly, predominantly selling between 500-565c/kg. In the feeder heifer market, demand has been supported by two specific orders, as other feedlot buyers have been hesitant to push prices higher. Prices for lighter weights have dropped by 13c/kg to average 515c/kg, while medium weights have eased by 3c/kg, selling between 466-536c/kg. Light weight steers weighing 200-280kg have ranged from 460-555c/kg.
On the export front, feedlots have dominated the buying of heavy steers and bullocks, with the bulk of sales seeing a 10c/kg increase. Heavy steers intended for processors sold for prices ranging from 422-552c/kg, while bullocks aimed at processors were limited, achieving prices between 420-470 c/kg. The cow market has seen a mixed offering, with not all buyers participating at their usual levels. Due to the limited supply prices lifted 9c/kg. Heavy, well-finished cows sold for 396-430c/kg, while leaner cows under 520kg were priced between 355-392c/kg.