Part of a line of 86 Charolais x Angus heifers 12-13 months averaging 370kg from Breeza, NSW which returned $1270 or 344c/kg on Friday. A second line of 49 of their steer brothers 12-13 months averaging 352kg made 361c/kg.

COMMERCIAL cattle listings on AuctionsPlus lifted slightly last week to 9874 head. The small offering generated stronger competition and saw clearances jump to 66 percent.

Lighter categories of steers and heifers experienced gains this week while the heavy steers and heifers slipped lower from their highs of last week. Most breeding stock categories averaged higher as offerings were limited.

There is immense interest and anticipation in the direction of the cattle market in the next six months. Some producers are in a holding pattern with more grass than incentive to sell due to low prices, while others are considering the opportunities that come with the bottom of the market and when that might be.

Some decent rain in south-eastern Australia and lower supply has provided some short-term support to online prices in the last two weeks. This support is likely to continue if supply remains restricted, however, prices are expected to ease lower if larger numbers of cattle return to the market.

Steers in the 200-280kg range registered a larger offering of 1553 head and averaged 375c/kg – up 5c from last week for an 84pc clearance. Prices ranged from 278-435c. From Haden, Southern Queensland, 32 Angus steers 4-6 months averaging 269kg returned 402c/kg or $1080/head.

Steers 330-400kg registered a smaller offering with 654 head, with prices decreasing by 16c/kg or $83 from last week to average 353c/kg – reaching a 50pc clearance. Prices ranged from 244-399c. From Omeo, Victoria, 59 Angus steers 9-10 months averaging 338kg returned 375c.

Heavy feeder steers +400kg lost 34c/kg to average 337c/kg this week.

Heifers

Heifers averaging 200-280kg registered a smaller offering of 1122 head and averaged 317c for a 60pc clearance. Prices ranged from 239-354c. From Rylstone, NSW, 40 Angus heifers 8-9 months averaging 274kg returned 288c/kg.

Heifers averaging 330-400kg registered a larger offering of 818 head and averaged 315c/kg for a 78pc clearance. Prices fell back to more normal levels following the significant highs of last week, ranging from 247-344c. From Breeza, NSW, 86 Charolais x Angus heifers 12-13 months averaging 370kg returned the top price of $1270, or 344c/kg. A second line of 49 of their steer brothers 12-13 months averaging 352kg made 361c/kg.

Breeding females

PTIC heifers registered a larger offering with 757 head and averaged $1538/head – up $108 on last week for a 27pc clearance. From Morven, NSW, three lines of a total 74 Angus PTIC heifers 22-23 months averaging 462kg averaged $1848.

PTIC cows registered a smaller offering with 677 head, with prices decreasing by $12 on last week to average $1489 – reaching a 40pc clearance. From Hermidale, NSW, 16 Poll Hereford PTIC cows 5-6 years averaging 618kg returned $1420/head.

Prices as at 2pm Friday, 23 June

Source: AuctionsPlus