Among larger lines of young cattle sold this week, these 234 weaned steers (pictured) and heifers, mostly Charolais x Santa types 7-10 months averaging 266kg and 263kg, from Biloela in Central Qld made 456c/kg for the steers and 345c for the heifer portion.

CATTLE listings on Elders and Nutrien’s AuctionsPlus online marketing platform lifted to 13,506 head this week, meeting stronger buyer demand as clearance increased to 80pc, after a disappointing 51pc the week before.

Almost all young cattle and breeding female categories increased in value – some substantially. Steer categories rose by anywhere from 19c/kg to 30c/kg, with renewed restocker demand.

In the steer categories, an offering of 2682 steers 200-280kg produced a 91pc clearance, delivering a 23c/kg rise on last week to average 448c/kg.

Almost 2000 steers were offered in the 280-330kg category, clearing 96pc. Prices lifted 30c/kg to average 425c, while 870 steers in the 330-400kg range also improved 30c, to average 418c.

A line of 69 Angus steers 14-16 months averaging 322kg from Inverell, NSW returned 438c/kg or $1410/head, and will travel to a buyer near Walcha, NSW.

A smaller offering of 527 feeder weight steers +400kg lifted 19c/kg to average 402c for a 95pc clearance.

The heifer market also showed strength, with all categories recording c/kg price increases.

Mid-weight heifers in the 330-400kg and 280-330kg weight ranges also experienced gains of 5c/kg and 23c/kg respectively, to average 342c and 347c/kg. A small offering of heifers +400kg lifted 22c to average 356c.

The lightest 200-280kg category experienced the largest rises, lifting 47c/kg to average 359c, clearing 90oc of the offering.

Twenty two Angus heifers 11-12 months averaging 322kg from Armidale, NSW returned 348c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Delungra, NSW.

Among larger lines of young cattle sold this week, 234 weaned steers and heifers, mostly Charolais x Santa types 7-10 months averaging 266kg and 263kg, from Biloela in Central Qld made 456c/kg for the steers and 345c for the heifer portion.

Breeding females

Breeding female performance was mixed. PTIC cows slipped $7/head to average $1761, while NSM heifers and calves lost $237 to average $2213. Station-mated cows and calves increased by $235 to average $2049, while a small offering of 118 SM heifers and calves lifted $599 to average $2203, highlighting a robust demand for joined females.

Breeding females accounted for 34pc of this week’s listings, achieving a 60pc clearance.

From The Gums, southern QLD 33 Santa heifers 22-26 months averaging 433kg returned $1750 and will travel to a buyer near Dalby, QLD.

Listing regions remained relatively similar to last week. The greatest changes were an increase of 1091 head in NSW to list a total of 8255. Queensland’s listings were down by 1619 which could be expected due to significant rain falling across much of the state.

Purchasing activity picked up in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. The greatest change this week was NSW purchasing an additional 1581 head on last week – ending the week at 6343 head.

Source: AuctionsPlus