One of five lines of a total of 234 Angus PTIC cows 45-81 months averaging 562-651kg from Molong NSW that sold yesterday for $2240-$2420.

LIGHTER weight steers and heifers continued to decline in value this week while some heavier categories strengthened a little in online trading this week.

Listings on Elders and Nutrien’s AuctionsPlus platform increased 14pc to 18,589 head. Listings were higher out of NSW while all other states registered falls. Clearance fell 4 percentage points to 42pc.

Given that a good autumn break over April only temporarily stalled the decline in prices, this week’s results are a strong indication that higher output of cattle will continue to push prices lower, with little support from subdued restocker demand.

Steers

Steers weighing 200-280kg registered 2172 head and averaged 460c/kg, down another 4c on last week, producing a 64pc clearance. Prices ranged from 363-609c, with the top price achieved by Wagyu x Angus steers. From Clermont, Central Queensland, 104 Droughtmaster steers 6-8 months averaging 258kg returned $1130/head or 438c/kg.

The offering of 2141 steers 280-330kg averaged 32c/kg lower this week at 444c, producing a 50pc clearance.

Steers 330-400kg registered 1486 head and averaged 412c, up 12c on last week, for a 75pc clearance. Prices ranged from 285 to 464c. From Armidale, NSW, 100 Angus steers 8-9 months averaging 343kg returned $1590, $140 over the reserve.

Heifers

Heifers 200-280kg registered 1717 head and averaged 367c, down 7c from last week for a 32pc clearance. Prices ranged from 258-485c. From Bathurst, NSW, 82 Angus heifers 8-9 months averaging 213kg returned $900 or 424c/kg.

A smaller offering of 665 heifers 280-330kg fell dramatically in value averaging 391c/kg, down 62c on last week due to breed type and quality.

Heifers 330-440kg registered 574 head and rebounded from last week’s losses to average 376c – up 43c/kg on last week for a 38pc clearance. Prices ranged from 320-396c. From Holbrook, NSW, 50 Angus heifers 20-21 months averaging 352kg returned $1330 or 378c/kg, selling to a buyer from SA.

Breeding females

PTIC heifers registered a 67pc increase in listings to 3572 head and averaged $1739 – down $216 from last week as ample options for selective buyers decreased competition, leading to a 20pc clearance.

From Moree, NSW, 39 Santa PTIC heifers 26-40 months averaging 589kg returned $2100.

PTIC cows registered 1752 head and averaged $2079 – up $341 on last week for a 47pc clearance. From Winton, Western Queensland, 86 purebred Wagyu PTIC cows 2-12 years averaging 481kg returned $2480/head.

From Molong, NSW, five lines of a total of 234 Angus PTIC cows 45-81 months averaging 562-651kg returned $2240-$2420.

Prices as at 2pm Friday 5 May.

Source: AuctionsPlus