Larger steer lines sold this week included these 120 Angus backgrounder steers 252kg at 7-9 months from Glenmorgan, Southern Qld, making 584c/kg, while their 100 heifer sisters 6-9 months averaging 240kg made 435c.

MOST steer and heifer categories surged in double-digit c/kg terms in online trading this week, while breeding female categories were more variable, with some ups and downs.

Rainfall and a smaller offering was part of the reason for the price lift, with 12,422 head listed, down 17pc on last week.

Clearance eased slightly to 83pc, though bidding activity remained strong with 98pc of listings attracting bids.

Steers recorded substantial price gains across all weight categories.

Heavy feeder weight steers +400kg led the charge, rising 103c/kg on last week to average 541c/kg, however clearance remained poor, at just 52pc of the offering of 621 head.

Steers 330–400kg lifted 45c to average 530c, producing a better clearance of 87pc (693 offered), while steers 280-330kg cleared 76pc of the offering of 1383 head, with prices lifting 21c to average 528c. Lighter steers 200–280kg yarded 2100 head, clearing 93pc, with prices 28c higher averaging 550c.

Steer highlights included 80 Angus steers 7-8 months averaging 224kg from Penola, SA returning $1380 or 615c/kg and travelling to a buyer near Millicent, SA.

Ninety Angus steers 6-7 months averaging 241kg from Molong, NSW returned $1340 or 556c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Hamilton, VIC.

Larger steer lines sold this week included 120 Angus backgrounder steers 252kg at 7-9 months from Glenmorgan, Southern Qld, making 584c/kg, while their 100 heifer sisters 6-9 months averaging 240kg made 435c.

Out of Gen Innes in parched northern NSW, 125 Angus weaned steers 265kg at 8-9 months made 566c/kg.

Heifer results were mostly dearer, supported by strong clearances and active restocker demand.

Heifers 280–330kg lifted 34c to average 452c, clearing 96pc of the offering of 1070, while 200–280kg heifers cleared 85pc of the offering of 2208, lifting 15c to average 445c. While only a small offering of 354 head, heavy heifers +400kg was the only category to soften, easing 15c to average 440c/kg, with clearance at 94pc.

From Bathurst, NSW, 100 Angus heifers 8-9 months averaging 312kg returned $1,610 or 516c and will travel to a buyer in the Flaxman Valley, SA.

Breeding females

Breeding female demand remained mixed but generally positive across proven females and joined units.

PTIC heifers lifted $521 to average $2260, while PTIC cows improved $251 to average $2113 with an 88pc clearance. NSM heifers and calves also posted strong gains, up $604/pair to average $3197.

Northern NSW continued to account for the largest share of listings this week, contributing 42pc of national supply as dry conditions continue to drive turnoff.

Meanwhile, strong interstate competition, particularly from southern restockers and backgrounders, continued to underpin the market. Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania remained the strongest buying regions nationally, with southern buyers accounting for 39pc of external purchases from Northern NSW.