Part of a line of 320 Brahman PTIC cows From Cunnamulla, Western QLD offered across four lots on Friday. The good quality northern-bred cows were 3-5 years, full forward store condition averaging 485kg and returned $1500-$1540/head.

LISTINGS on Elders and Nutrien’s online marketing platform AuctionsPlus fell 15 percent to 11,642 head this week, while clearances lifted from 40pc  the week before to 67pc.

Two weeks of decent rain across the east coast may have sparked a rebound in cattle prices, causing strengthening in most young cattle price categories, but mixed results among breeding stock.

Listings were lower across most states while Tasmania offered 1419 head, the state’s fifth highest weekly total on record. The recent rain has constituted an early autumn break according to ABARES. The weather for the next few weeks will determine if this consolidates as a good autumn break and kick-starts winter pasture growth.

PTIC lines of heifers and cows continue to face subdued demand this week, indicating that the rebuilding of the female herd is well and truly over.

A reduced offering of young steers saw higher prices per kilogram of liveweight for all categories. Steers 200-280kg were the only category to see an increase in listings, with 1600 head averaging 494c/kg, up 28c on last week for an 87pc clearance.

From Merriwa, NSW, 120 EU-eligible Angus steers 8-9 months averaging 250kg returned 541c/kg or $1350/head, $200 over the reserve.

Steers 330-400kg registered 1210 head and averaged 383c/kg, up 6c on the previous week for an 88pc clearance. Per kilogram liveweight prices ranged from 314-457c. From Redpa, Tasmania, 26 Never-Ever accredited Angus x Hereford steers 7-9 months averaging 335kg returned 457c/kg.

These 120 EU-eligible Angus steers 8-9 months averaging 250kg from Merriwa, NSW, returned 541c/kg or $1350/head on Friday

Young heifer listings fell 32pc this week to 2,402 head. Heifers 200-280kg listings were steady at 681 head and averaged 390c, up 23c on last week for a 61pc clearance. From Winton, Western Queensland, 20 Santa cross heifers 5-9 months averaging 259kg returned 371c/kg.

Heifers 330-400kg registered 886 head and averaged 363c, up 13c on last week for a 48pc clearance. From Thallon, Southern Queensland, 80 Charolais x Droughtmaster heifers 17-20 months averaging 380kg returned 328c/kg.

Heifers 280-330kg lost some ground this week, with the 530 head listed averaging 377c/kg, down another 19c/kg on the previous week.

Breeding females

Demand was subdued for most breeding lines, while station mated lines registered higher prices. PTIC heifers registered 1703 head and averaged $1755/head, down $69 from last week for a 26pc clearance. From Bathurst, NSW, 27 Angus PTIC heifers 18-20 months averaging 495kg returned $2100/head, $200 over the reserve.

PTIC cow listings increased to 1141 head and averaged $1825, down $86 from last week for an 84pc clearance. From Cunnamulla, Western Queensland, 320 Brahman PTIC cows were offered across four lots. The good quality northern-bred cows were 3-5 years, full forward store condition averaging 485kg and returned $1500-$1540/head.

Prices as at 2pm Friday 31 March.

Source: AuctionsPlus