CATTLE numbers took a little longer than usual to catch up with the current cattle market price spike which has seen the EYCI reach an all time high with 500c/kg not too far away.

The Eastern States AuctionsPlus sales conducted on Friday offered 9832 head, up 4000 on the previous week with better clearances in the north and prices continuing to rise. Over 10,000 head were offered Friday with three special sales.

Young cattle prices were more consistent last week week, with increases across all weight categories and more so for heifers.

Light steers under 250kg made 248c to 324c to average 288c, up 6c, and heifers made 200c to 299c averaging 261c, up 23c. 250kg-300kg steers achieved the best per kilogram rate of 294c, up 16c, with prices ranging from 271c to 321c and heifers in this weight class were primarily yearlings and averaged 231c.

Weaner steers 300-350kg made 270c to 313c to average 291c, up 11c, and heifers were up 8c to average 243c. Heavier steers over 350kg were all yearlings to rising two year olds, selling from 241c to 295c to average 263c.

Standout young cattle sales included Droughtmaster cross steers weighing 434kg out of Rolleston selling for 265c or $1150, 359kg Angus cross steers at Scone selling for 295c or $1060, Angus steers in Victoria weighing 282kg making 321c or $905, 314kg Angus heifers at Singleton selling for 265c or $835 and 343kg Droughtmaster heifers out of Springsure making 239c or $821.

Price rises were also in place for breeders with young PTIC females the sought after article today. PTIC yearling heifers made from $730 to a top of $1540 for Millah Murrah blood Angus heifers out of Bathurst.

Young cows sold from $1005 to $1515 averaging $1243, with the top price for two and three year old Angus cows out of Chinchilla in calf to Angus.

Young cows with calves at foot made $1030 to a top of $1550 for unjoined Angus and Black Baldies out of Scone with Angus calves at foot. Mixed age lines, exclusively out of Queensland, made $890 to $1240.

Click here to view full May 22 Auctions Plus sale results.