This line of 219 Droughtmaster steers 6-12 months averaging 298kg from Cloncurry, Northwest Queensland returned $1170 or 393c/kg on Friday.

CATTLE listings on AuctionsPlus totalled 14,917 head this week – down 21 percent on the previous week. Principally responsible was a 48pc reduction in offerings out of Queensland.

The reduced offering supported higher prices for most categories of Queensland cattle and a 50pc clearance compared to 38pc clearance nationally. NSW accounted for by far the largest portion of listings, totalling almost 9600 head.

Value over reserve averaged $103 while clearance was flat week-on-week.

Buyers remain highly selective on breeding females with higher prices and subdued clearances, while demand was weak for young cattle despite smaller offerings. Some heavier categories fared a little better.

Steers averaging in the 200-280kg range registered 2103 head and averaged 393c/kg – down 27$109 from last week for a 48pc clearance. Prices ranged from 249-516c.

From Tenterfield, NSW, 85 F1 Wagyu x Angus F1 steers 6-10 months averaging 232kg returned the top price of $1200 or 516c/kg.

The 280-330kg steer category registered 1476 head, with prices slipping $97 or 24c/kg to average 374c. Clearance reached 54pc while per kilogram prices ranged from 196 – 414c.

A line of 219 Droughtmaster steers 6-12 months averaging 298kg from Cloncurry, Northwest Queensland returned $1170 or 393c/kg.

Further south, a line of 153 Brangus and Brangus x Euro EU-eligible weaned steers 285kg at 6-8 months from Augathella, western Queensland made 389c/kg.

Heifers

Heifers averaging 200-280kg registered 1345 head and averaged 344c, up 25c for a 68pc clearance. From Binalong, NSW, 40 Angus heifers 8-9 months averaging 279kg returned $940/head, or 336c/kg.

The 330-400kg heifer category registered 348 head and averaged 318c/kg down 13c on last week. Prices ranged from 283–458c, while clearance reached 45pc. From Hawkesdale, Victoria, 50 Angus heifers 13-14 months averaging 338kg returned 355c/kg and will travel to a buyer in South Australia.

Breeding females

Tighter supply of breeding females supported improved prices this week, while clearances remain subdued as ‘cherry picking’ buying behaviour continues.

PTIC heifers registered 2282 head, 14pc lower than last week, while prices averaged $1606/head – up $115 on last week. From Dunedoo, NSW, 19 EU accredited Shorthorn PTIC heifers joined to Shorthorn bulls, aged 22-24 months and averaging 486kg returned $1720/head.

PTIC cow listings fell by 41pc to register 1746 head. The smaller offering helped prices bounce back by $157 to average $1769/head.

From Gladstone, Tasmania, two lines totalling 41 Angus PTIC cows joined to Angus bulls, aged seven years and averaging 700kg returned $2040.

Prices as at 2pm Friday 26 May.