Among larger lines sold this week, 111 well-grown PTIC Charolais x Brahman and Brahman cross heifers 18-30 months averaging around 430kg out of Tara in southern Queensland made 517.8c for four decks of Charbray types and 483.1c for the remaining Brahmany types. The heifers were originally purchased during the drought off Stanbroke’s Augustus Downs.

WIDESPREAD rain, a disrupted selling week and a 22pc weekly reduction in supplies would traditionally point to a much stronger online cattle market.

However, results on AuctionsPlus this week were “all over the place”, with significant price movements in both directions, as clearance rates declined across some of the major categories as vendors and buyers seemingly diverged on the value of the market.

For the five young steer categories, it was three-down, two up, with the largest moves across the two lightest categories. Again, influenced by a steady representation of dairy cattle, the less than 200kg categories, with only 355 head offered, dropped $137 on last week, to average $964/head – erasing most of last week’s $158 gain. In contrast to its lighter compatriot, the 200-280kg steer segment sold to a much stronger trend, with an 87pc clearance rate for the 1695 head offered. Prices for 200-280kg steers averaged $1681/head – up $191 from the previous week.

A comparative large offering of heavy steers more than 400kg sold to steady competition, with an 83pc clearance for the 1116 head offered. Recent weeks have seen a steady supply of heavy steers hitting the market, with this week’s price slightly lower, down $8, to average $2417/head – or down 5c, to average 535c/kg.

For the heifer lines, most of the offerings for the week was for the 200-280kg segment, with 2414 head selling to an 86pc clearance – averaging $9 cheaper, at $1522. A steady supply of 330-400kg heifers sold to an 84pc clearance, with prices edging $4 higher, to average $2058.

Breeding cattle

For the proven breeding lines, it was largely a softer market, with clearance rates varying across categories. After weeks of subdued clearance rates, the 978 PTIC heifers offered sold to a much higher clearance of 81pc – as the price slipped $139 on last week, to average $2434.

Anecdotal reports indicate that some vendors choose to set PTIC heifer reserve levels lower than in previous weeks, keen to enhance the probability of a transaction.

One of the best results for the week was the sale of 33 station-mated Angus heifers with CAF out of Ballimore, central NSW. Selling to $3940/unit, the 33 SM heifers averaged 481kg aged 2-3 years, while the calves averaged 157kg.

Among larger lines sold this week, 111 well-grown PTIC Charolais x Brahman and Brahman cross heifers 18-30 months averaging around 430kg out of Tara in southern Queensland made 517.8c for four decks of Charbray types and 483.1c for the remaining Brahmany types. The heifers were originally purchased during the drought off Stanbroke’s Augustus Downs.

Prices as at 2pm Friday, 8 October.

Source: AuctionsPlus