An offering of 307 unweaned EU-eligible Angus heifers from Speriby North, Tenterfield, aged from 5-12 months at 296-398kg saw prices range from $1860-$2360 and average $2183.

CATTLE listings in Elders and Nutrien’s online marketing platform AuctionsPlus slipped another 15 percent to 9186 head last week.

The smaller offering created competition between bidders and pushed clearance rate up to 54pc. Lighter steers continued to decline in value in c/kg terms, while heavier steers and heifers showed an improved trend.

Breeding stock numbers in particular were limited, as good rainfall and feed availability in areas like SA caused producers to hold stock on farm.

Steers averaging 200-280kg registered 1287 head and averaged 375c/kg, down 21c on the previous week, for a 66pc clearance. Prices ranged from 232-424c.

From Biloela, Central Queensland, two lines of a total 153 Charolais x Composite steers 6-11 months averaging 269kg returned $950/head, or 353c/kg.

A larger offering of 330-400kg steers averaged 362c/kg for a 24pc clearance across the 779 head – rising $120 on last week. Prices ranged from 211-394c. From Willow Tree, NSW, 80 Angus steers 10-11 months averaging 376kg returned $1480 or 394c/kg.

Listing of heifers in the 200-280kg category increased 10pc to 1237 head and averaged 286c/kg – down $95 a head from last week for a 64pc clearance. Prices ranged from 181-382c. From Bendemeer, NSW, two even lines of 43 Santa cross heifers 12-13 months averaging 277kg returned 296c.

Among larger lines sold this week two lines totalling 166 Angus weaned heifers 234kg at 7-9 months from Walcha northern NSW made 299c/kg or $700/head.

The 280-330kg and 330-400kg heifer categories were dominated by an offering of 307 unweaned EU-eligible Angus heifers from Speriby North, Tenterfield. Ages across the ten lots ranged from 5-12 months with weights from 296-398kg. Prices ranged from $1860-$2360 and averaged $2183/head for a 100pc clearance.

Breeding females

PTIC heifers registered the smallest offering since August 2022, with 550 head averaging $1456/head – up $224 on last week for a 56pc clearance.

The limited offering is likely a case of producers choosing to hold stock on farm due to favourable feed availability, and unfavourable prices. From Sandy Point, Victoria, a line of 20 Angus PTIC heifers 20-22 months averaging 478kg returned $1720/head.

PTIC cows registered 1131 head and averaged $1504 – down $33 from last week for a 54pc clearance. From Willbriggie, NSW, 29 Poll Hereford cows six years averaging 724kg returned $1700 and will travel to a buyer in Lake Cargelligo, NSW.

Prices as at 2pm Friday 16 June.

Source: AuctionsPlus