AuctionsPlus commercial cattle numbers fell substantially again last week, decreasing by another 26 percent to 9236 head offered. Just a fortnight earlier, the weekly commercial cattle listings were still close to 17,000 head.
All five heifer categories and three steer divisions increased in c/kg value last week.
The market picked up mid to late in the week, but producers didn’t react. Rather, they let the market dictate the price rise. Clearance rates improved 4 percentage points on the previous week to close at 70pc.
Processor/lotfeeder activity lifted this week, with buyers snapping up 9pc of the offering. Agents and assessors noted there was competition from these buyers on SM cows, indicating to agents they need to closely assess dressing percentages on any joined cows.
Queensland listed an additional 1000 head this week, elevating the state as the largest contributor to cattle listed on the platform, taking over from NSW, which listed 2000 less than the previous week. Queensland buyers were also the most active across the country.
Heifer results were the standout last week, with all categories showing small to significant gains.
A small offering of only 340 heifers less than 200kg produced a big 97c/kg jump in price on the previous week, averaging 349c/kg.
Heifers 200-280kg attracted 1100 head, lifting 12c/kg on the previous week to average 304c/kg, for an 84pc clearance. From Ootha, NSW, 40 Angus heifers 9-10 months and averaging 271kg returned $950 or 350c/kg, and will travel to a buyer near Mendooran, NSW.
All other heifer category listings were in three digits. An offering of only 300 heifers 330-400kg averaged 308c/kg, up 15c on the previous week.
Steers
Steer prices were mixed, with price gains trending in the lighter weight categories and the heavy steers being stung with losses week-on-week.
Steers 330-400kg fell an average of 12c/kg averaging 358c, but clearing only 22pc. Heavy feeder steers +400kg yarded 564 head, lifting 4c/kg to average 396c, with a clearance of 64pc.
From Bellata, NSW, a line of 70 Angus steers 10-11 months averaging 276kg returned $1170/head or 425c/kg, and will travel to a buyer near Cobbadah, NSW.
Larger lines
Among larger young cattle lines offered this week, Consuelo Cattle Co, Rolleston, Central Qld offered and sold 543 weaned Santa steers and 339 heifer sisters, all EU-eligible, sold in eight mobs.
The steer portion averaging 265kg at 7-11 months made 357c/kg or $945, while the heifer portion ranged from 340c/kg to 367c/kg for two lines averaging 199kg at 7-11 months.
Among other larger lines, 316 feeder heifers offered by Stanbroke Fort Constantine, Cloncurry Northwest Qld were split into two mobs. A line of 150 Charbray x Brahman heifers 16-24 months averaging 425kg made 218c/kg or $925, while a further 156 Brahman heifers 16-24 months averaging 420kg made 213c/kg or $895.
Further south, a line of 152 weaned Brangus x Droughtmaster steers 6-9 months averaging 242kg from Isisford, western Qld made 426c/kg or $1030.
Breeding females
Breeding stock categories mainly rose in value, with only two categories – SM heifers and PTIC heifers – falling by $26 and $70 respectively.
SM cows and calves had the second highest price rise from last week, at $448/unit, but with the smallest clearance of 34pc.
From Longreach, Queensland, 80 Angus cows 4-9 years averaging 537kg returned $1290/head and will travel to a local buyer.
Prices as at 2pm Friday July 5
Source: AuctionsPlus
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