BUYERS showed strength at Wagga cattle market in the lead up to the Easter selling recess.

Yearling heifers to slaughter were well supplied, selling to strong southern competition. There was a comprehensive selection of well-bred secondary steers and heifers, which sold to solid support from feedlot buyers.

Grown steer and bullock numbers increased and quality was very good, with very few aged steers penned. Cow numbers increased to 1,260 head and all weights and grades were represented.

Most export processors were in attendance, along with an extra northern processor after a short absence.

Due to the short trading week a full field of domestic buyers were operating in a dearer trade market. Lot feeder competition increased, while restockers were very selective when making purchases.

There was a reduced supply of vealers, which sold to similar prices to the previous sale. The better finished vealers ranged from 228c to 247c/kg.

Vealers which lacked finish were strongly contested by lot feeders and restockers, with prices fluctuating and dependent on breed and shape. Vealers to feed on made from 229c to 236c/kg. Medium weight grass finished heifers benefited from stronger competition from domestic processors, which lifted prices 2c higher, to average 224.9c/kg.

Higher prices, of up to 9c, were paid for yearling steers, which was a reflection of the improved quality and stronger demand. There were increased supplies of plainer light weight secondary steers and heifers.

Well-bred store conditioned steers, suitable to turnout, sold to a small group of buyers and prices lifted 6c/kg. Well-bred lines of light weight steers made from 210c to 242c/kg.

There were plenty of good quality drafts of light weight weaner heifers, which attracted strong bidding, however plainer conditioned heifers dragged prices back. The better bred heifers sold from 161c to 225c/kg.

Well-bred C2 steers were well supplied and sold to increased feedlot competition. The Better bred lines of C2 steers made from 202c to 244c/kg. The good quality selection of medium weight feeder heifers sold to a reduced field of buyers and prices generally eased 3c to 7c/kg.

The increased supply of grown steers sold to strong demand and prices were 4c dearer, while heavy bullocks eased 4c/kg. The better quality pens of grown steers and bullocks sold from 220c to 244c/kg. Heavy cows were well supplied and prices strengthened 3c/kg.

The better finished beef cows made from 177c to 190c/kg. The D2 and D3 cows were well supplied and prices were 2c to 3c higher, with the D3 medium weight cows averaging 166c/kg. There was a few restocking orders in place and younger cows returning to the paddock made from 157c to 176c/kg.