QUALITY and numbers increased again this week in AuctionsPlus commercial cattle trading, with 19,657 head offered – up 45 percent on last week.

The anticipated influx of cattle has brought listings in line with the same week of the last two years, 62pc higher than 2020 and 17pc higher than 2021. Despite some isolated storms along the eastern Australian coast, this week was relatively dry for major areas in Southern Queensland and Northern NSW allowing the access and transport of cattle that have been ready and waiting in saturated paddocks.

This has supported the increase in listings, with 6570 head offered out of Queensland this week – up 35pc on last week.

Results were mixed across the board with overall clearance hitting 64pc while average value over reserve fell slightly to $188 – but remained high historically. The surge in young cattle offerings caused mixed results, with six out of ten categories averaging lower.

Breeding females remain scarce with 3706 head offered, seeing quality lines attract top prices.

Demand was strong for the meagre 453 head of light steers which averaged $1076/head – up $101 and registering a higher week-on-week clearance of 81pc.

The 200-280kg category of steers saw 1839 head offered, while prices averaged $1377 – down $325, heavily influenced by quality and location.

From Aramac, Western Queensland, two even lines totalling 252 Droughtmaster and Droughtmaster cross steers 6-13-months averaging 267kg returned $1740 or 651c/kg.

Listings of 280-330kg steers more than doubled this week, with the 1965 head selling to an average $2016 – down $99 on last week – with an 80pc clearance.

From Leongatha, Gippsland Victoria, 21 Wagyu x Friesian steers 12-14-months averaging 312kg returned the category top price of $2885 or 926c/kg.

The largest offering of steers came from the 330-400kg category where 2373 head averaged $2318 for a 72pc clearance. From Gundagai, NSW, 26 Angus steers 14-15-months averaging 354kg returned $2310, $160 over the reserve.

Heavy steers +400kg were exposed to selective buying with the 1760 head averaging $54 higher at $2507 for a 68pc clearance. From Marulan, NSW 70 Angus steers 18-20-months averaging 462kg returned $2680 or 580c/kg.

Listings of young heifers this week increased significantly to 6961 head – up 69pc on last week.

This pushed average prices for most categories lower, while clearance rates were subdued. The offering of less than 200kg heifers totalled just 346 head and averaged $936 for a 72pc clearance. The 200-280kg heifer category averaged $87 lower at $1534 across the 1457 head.

From Dubbo, NSW, 41 Shorthorn and Shorthorn cross heifers 7-12-months averaging 226kg returned $1210, $110 over the reserve.

Listings of 280-330kg heifers increased 42pc to 1508 head, recovering the losses from the previous week to average $2051 – up $256 for a 51pc clearance.

From Innisplain, Southern Queensland, 14 Santa heifers 12-15-months averaging 298kg returned $1550 or 520c/kg.

An increased listing of 330-400kg heifers saw the 2961 head average $2129 – down $144, reaching a 62pc clearance.

From Talwood, Southern Queensland, 116 Angus heifers 12-14 months old averaging 342kg returned $2220, $340 over the reserve.

Listings of 400kg+ heifers increased to 689 head, selling to an average of $2431 and a clearance of 84pc.

Breeding cattle

Limited offerings of breeding lines are contributing to persistent volatility, with PTIC heifers and cows moving in different directions for the fourth consecutive week.

PTIC heifer listings were lower week-on-week with the 1306 head recovering some of the losses of last week to average $2579 – up $366, while clearance remained subdued at 39pc. From Tamworth, NSW, 39 Simmental and Simbrah PTIC heifers 21-23 months averaging 462kg, joined to Simmental bulls, returned $2560.

PTIC cows registered a higher listing of 1072 head which pushed average prices down $467 to $2449/head, while clearance reached 39pc.

From Rosedale, Gippsland Victoria, a line of 14 Angus PTIC cows 3-4-years old averaging 481kg, joined to Angus bulls, returned the top price of $2900/head.

From Nyngan, NSW, 28 Angus NSM cows with Angus calves returned $4000/unit. The cows were two years old and averaged 490kg.

Prices as at 2pm, Friday 30 September.

Source: AuctionsPlus