This mob of 151 Angus NSM future breeders, 338kg at 12 15 months, from Bollon, Western QLD made 554.9c/kg or $1880, sold in three lots.

HIGH volumes through AuctionsPlus commercial cattle sales continued this week, with 22,116 head offered – back 4pc on last week. Current listings have also been boosted by the significant backlog of cattle – delayed by wet conditions in recent months.

Almost 70,000 head of commercial cattle have been listed online over the past three weeks.

This is only the third time in AuctionsPlus history that commercial cattle listings have exceeded 20,000 head for three consecutive weeks. The market is struggling to absorb the sustained high offerings, given the myriad of factors impacting the supply chain at present.

The clearance rate was again subdued, while the value over reserve continues to be well below previous weeks’ levels, indicating a cautious buying market.

Steer results were mixed this week, with prices for three of the five weight categories averaging lower, while overall numbers were back. Lighter steers were well supported, while the heavier two categories struggled under the weight of buyers reduced enthusiasm to meet vendors expectations.

Light steers less than 200kg averaged $1180/head or 620c/kg across the 298 head offered, for an 82 clearance.

Steers 200-280kg remained similar to last week, with 1735 head averaging 613c/kg, down 37c/kg from last week and reaching a 69pc clearance.

From Croydon, North Queensland, 122 Brahman steers 8-20 months averaging 210 kg returned 486c/kg.

Medium weight steers gained 47c/kg on last week to average 610c across the smaller offering of 1995 head. From Penola, Lower Southeast SA, 74 Hereford steers 7-8 months averaging 322kg returned $2130/head – $140 over reserve.

A slightly smaller offering of 2218 steers 330-400kg averaged 539c, 50c/kg lower than last week. From Benalla, Northern Victoria, 44 Angus steers 14-15 months averaging 386kg returned $2170 or 563c/kg.

A larger offering of 1557 feeder steers +400kg averaged 38c lower this week, at 493c/kg. From Coolah, Central West NSW, 17 Angus steers 12-14 months averaging 430kg returned $2130 or 496c/kg.

Heifer results were mixed this week, with quality lines of future breeders highly sought-after. A 15pc larger offering than last week put downward pressure on clearance rates, while average prices were relatively stable. Light heifers less than 200kg bucked the trend with a smaller offering of 233 head, supporting an 83c rise in average prices to 628c.

The 200-280kg category of heifers registered a larger offering of 1584 head and 546c – back 29c from last week. From Corfield, Western Queensland, 80 Santa heifers 5-9 months averaging 252kg returned $1390 or 551c.

Medium weight heifers recorded a larger offering of 1572 head and averaged 651c, up 25c on last week. From Boho, Northern Victoria, 24 Angus heifers 9-10 months averaging 320kg returned $2430/head – $330 over reserve.

The 330-400kg heifer category averaged 33c higher this week, at 596c across 2999 heifers. From Barham, Riverina NSW, 35 Limousin cross heifers 12-16 months averaging 360kg returned $1700 or 472c.

A mob of 151 Angus NSM future breeders, 338kg at 12 15 months, from Bollon, Western QLD made 554.9c/kg or $1880.

Heavy heifers +400kg registered a smaller offering of 829 head and averaged 493c – back 6c from last week. From Emmaville, NSW Northern Tablelands, 32 Santa heifers 18-24 months averaging 420kg returned $1780/head – $100 over reserve.

Breeding cattle

Breeding stock numbers were back 22pc this week, with fluctuating listings for each category contributing to mixed results. PTIC heifers registered 2611 head, back 35pc from last week, and averaged $2733 – up $328 on last week for a 46pc clearance. From Tumut, Monaro NSW, 40 Angus PTIC heifers 20-24 months averaging 510kg returned $3100/head – $100 over the reserve.

PTIC cows swung the other way, with a 77pc larger offering of 1276 head averaging $2752 -back $207 from last week. From Walcha, NSW Northern Tablelands, 30 Angus PTIC cows three-to-seven years averaging 616kg returned $3800 – $300 over the reserve.

From Foster, Gippsland Victoria, 12 Speckle Park NSM cows with calves at foot returned $3440. The cows were two-to-four-years-old and averaged 516kg, while the calves, sired by Angus bulls, were 3-12 weeks old.

Prices as at 2pm, Friday 25 November.

Source: AuctionsPlus