These two lines totalling 80 head of PTIC Angus heifers 30-36 months averaging 464kg out of Bundarra, NSW made 501.6c/kg or $2325 a head.

CATTLE offerings on AuctionsPlus declined 16 percent this week to 15,617 head. Reports of buyers baulking at the higher prices required to secure quality lines impacted clearance rates for younger cattle, with quality the main determining factor for lower average prices for confirmed breeding stock.

For the young steer lines, some categories increased in value for the week, with 330-400kg category steers (the largest offering for the week, at 1706 head) up 7c/kg to average 546c, while the clearance came in at 67pc. Included was a line of 77 Santa yearling steers out of Hillston, NSW, ranging from 10-12 months averaging 358kg, which sold for $1950.

Steers 200-280kg steers averaged 22c higher this week at 659c, while the 1290 head offered for the 280-330kg category averaged 9c higher at 579c.

The focus from buyers on lower weights had the two lightest steer categories register 88pc and 91pc clearances, while the heavier lines were back at 68pc and 67pc, respectively.

Young heifer prices were largely cheaper compared to last week, with 330-400kg lines back 19c/kg on average, at 499c – with a 90pc clearance rate for the 802 head offered. After a surge in numbers in the previous two weeks, lighter heifer numbers were back at normal winter levels, with just under 3200 head offered between the 200-280kg and 280-330kg lines. Clearance rates were well down on recent weeks at 76pc and 52pc, respectively. The lightest heifer category less than 200kg averaged 99c/kg lower this week at 627c, with 518 head offered.

With 1,599 head offered, the average PTIC heifer price improved 8c/kg this week, averaging 555c. Clearance rate was very subdued at 58pc. A combination of quality, buyer hesitancy and higher reserves all contributed to the lower clearance, which was also reflected in the PTIC cow section of the market.

An excellent line of 93 heavy Brahman PTIC heifers 20-30 months averaging 455kg out of Ogmore, Central Queensland, sold for $2500, while 39 Angus PTIC heifers 15-16 months averaging 360kg from Tooraweenah, NSW, sold to $2150.

Two lines totalling 80 head of PTIC Angus heifers 30-36 months averaging 464kg out of Bundarra, NSW made 501.6c/kg or $2325 a head.

Prices as at 2pm Friday 30 July.

Source: AuctionsPlus