Among larger lines sold last week, 330 Angus and Angus composite weaned steers averaging 298kg at 10-11 months from Cunnamulla on the Qld/NSW border sold in four lines, making from 464-470c/kg.

STEER prices mostly lifted, while heifer values went in the opposite direction in a big offering of yarding 25,180 head on AuctionsPlus on Friday.

The catalogue rose 26pc on the week before, reflecting the recent selldown trend seen in the saleyards system.

Seasonal pressures in Northern NSW continue to drive elevated offerings, with the region accounting for 61 percent of total listings this week, well above the long-term average of 36pc.

The larger offering pressured clearance rates, which dropped to only 54pc, down 19 percentage points on the previous week.

Steers made up the bulk of listings and returned the better end of results, although clearances were challenged.

A huge offering of almost 5000 steers 200-280kg produced a solid 26c/kg lift in prices to average 536c, however clearance remained low at 49pc.

Steers 280-330kg attracted 3462 entries, clearing 51pc and edging 1c higher on the previous week to average 506c.

Steers 330-400kg moved the other way, losing 37c to average 487c on an offering of 1432 head, clearing 60pc. Feeder weights +400kg lifted 26c to average 520c, but that represented only a small offering of 275 head, clearing 74pc.

Among larger steer lines sold last week, 225 Droughtmaster steers 7-24 months averaging 341kg from Boulia, Northwestern Queensland made 457c/kg, while 198 Angus weaners 5-12 months from Barcaldine sold for 546c/kg for the steer portion averaging 260kg, and 408c for the heifer portion averaging 247kg.

Further south, 330 Angus and Angus composite weaned steers averaging 298kg at 10-11 months from Cunnamulla on the Qld/NSW border sold in four lines, making from 464-470c/kg.

Heifer results were softer across all weights, with prices easing between 3c and 16c/kg. The biggest offerings were for heifers 200-280kg, where almost 3000 head cleared 66pc, with prices down 16c to average 398c.

Heifers 280-330kg eased 7c to average 414c, clearing 68pc of the 2200 offered, while heifers 330-400kg lost 3c to average 433c, while clearing 65pc of the 1160 offered.

A line of 86 Angus heifers 18-22 months averaging 354kg from Ebor, NSW, returned $1590 or 450c/kg and will travel to a buyer in QLD.

Breeding females

Breeding females results were mixed. SM and PTIC cows recorded solid gains, lifting $231 and $176 respectively, while PTIC heifers (down $170 a head) and SM heifers (down $122) eased. Cow and calf units showed pockets of strength, particularly NSM lines, with some achieving premiums.

Fourteen Red Angus composite PTIC heifers 19-20 months averaging 493kg from Limestone, VIC, returned $3,200/head and will travel to a buyer in Kilmore, VIC.

Source: AuctionsPlus