This line of 69 Angus steer weaners 11-12 months averaging 396kg from Mundarlo, NSW southwest slopes and plains made 598.3c/kg or $2370.

A SHARP jump in cattle numbers offered through AuctionsPlus this week had only a minor impact on the record prices of recent weeks, with clearance rates remaining high.

The 13,936 head offered this week was up 33pc, with some of the additional numbers offered undoubtedly being drawn out by the “once-in-a-lifetime” prices being returned.

One of the main features of this week’s Weaner and Yearling sale was the persistent and deliberate bidding on numerous excellent lines of cattle – which resulted in a longer than normal sale length.

Given the high clearance rates for a second consecutive week, with an additional 33pc offered this week, buyers’ willingness to ferociously compete for suitable lines in a very tight market continued to underpin the record prices and astound market watchers.

The main change in the market this week was for young heifers, with supplies rebounding after last week’s significantly lower offering. With clearance rates well into the 90pc+ range, 330-400kg heifers averaged 3c higher at 509c/kg, while the 200-280kg and 280-330kg categories slipped 55c and 70c/kg respectively, averaging 586c and 535c.

In the steer market, the largest category, 330-400kg liveweight, averaged 20c/kg higher, at 474c, with a 97pc clearance rate for the 1307 head offered.

Signalling the strength of the market, the mid-weight 280-330kg young steer category registered a rare 100pc clearance for the 781 head offered, averaging 560c/kg, down 10c. Heavy steers, 400kg+ finished the week 20c/kg higher averaging 474c – with a 98pc clearance for the 658 head offered.

A line of 69 Angus weaners 11-12 months averaging 396kg from Mundarlo, NSW southwest slopes and plains made 598.3c/kg or $2370.

A pen of Wagyu x Angus F1 steers 11-12 months averaging 353kg from Cudal in central western NSW made 817.5c/kg to average $2887.

Among breeding cattle, PTIC heifers continued to be offered in comparatively large numbers, with the 1552 head offered 18c/kg dearer on last week, averaging 555c – with a clearance rate of 79pc. PTIC cows lifted 9c/kg, averaging 467c – with a respectable 94pc clearance rate for the 1260 head offered.

Representing the north to south span of the very strong breeder market, 142 station-mated Brahman cows 4-12 years averaging 448kg, with CAF, out of Burketown in northern Queensland sold to $2360. In the south, from Dunkeld, Victoria, PTIC Angus cows 7-8 years averaging 582kg sold for $2800.

Prices as at 2pm Friday.

Source: AuctionsPlus, Stocklive