The AuctionsPlus online saleyard has set monthly records for both cattle and sheep turnover during October.

Commercial cattle throughput for the month just completed reached 39,897 head, representing year-to-date growth of 29 percent.

Particularly strong activity out of Queensland was one of the drivers for the record, which was achieved with only four Fridays in the month, unlike some other months where there can be five.

When combined with stud stock, AuctionsPlus offered a total turnover of 42,034 head for the month.

Numbers had been predicted to tighten in Queensland, however this theory was smashed with significant growth in listings out of Western and Southern parts of the state, as illustrated in the graph published here.

The past few weeks has seen a slight softening of the cattle market for slaughter/feeder/backgrounder stock which is typical for spring, though slightly later than usual.

“This softening has seen higher throughput on AuctionsPlus, with producers wanting to ensure they expose their stock to the largest possible buying audience,” chief executive Anna Speer said.

“Unlike last year there has been limited ‘panic selling’ with the season allowing producers to hold onto stock during the price correction. That being said, the grass market will put a floor in this price through summer limiting the price drop,” she said.

“AuctionsPlus thrives in a rising market, but it’s true strength is in a falling market. In a falling market, it is critical stock are exposed to all potential buyers to ensure true market value is received. With realistic reserves, producers will have someone to negotiate with, while their stock remain at home, ensuring that they are sold for the price they need,” Ms Speer said.

“AuctionsPlus predicts that the better quality heifer prices will remain firm due to demand as future breeders, while heifers relying on feeder/backgrounder competition will follow the trend of steer prices. We will continue to see producers taking advantage of high prices for breeders to sell – cows with calves at foot in particular – however expect this to slow down as breeders need to retain numbers.”