Among larger lines sold this week were 192 Droughtmaster heifers 10-14 months averaging 304kg from Clermont, Central Queensland that made 329c/kg or $1000/head. A further 92 of their lighter heifer sisters 263 kg made 303c/kg or $795   

MOST heifer and heavier steer categories increased in price in c/kg terms on AuctionsPlus last week, in a larger offering of 13,853 head.

The larger offering  – up 28 percent on the prior week – was met with mixed competition as clearance fell to 68pc, down 3 percentage points from the previous week.

Steers less than 280kg achieved a clearance of 91pc, but dropped an average of $76 per head compared to last week’s prices. This could indicate some producers were keen to exit these steers, without regard for the price, potentially due to seasonal conditions.

In contrast the next weight up, from 280-330kg, achieved a 77% clearance at close of auction with a $60/head increase on last week, to average $1195.

From Ournie, Victoria, a line of 114 Angus steers 14-15 months averaging 350kg returned $1430/head or 408c/kg, and will travel to a buyer near Orange, NSW.

All heifer categories enjoyed price increases on last week and a small increase to numbers offered.

From Railton, Tasmania, a line of Murray Grey/Hereford heifers 9-10 months averaging 322kg returned $1110/head, or 345c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Deloraine, Tasmania.

Among larger lines sold this week were 192 Droughtmaster heifers 10-14 months averaging 304kg from Clermont, Central Queensland that made 329c/kg or $1000/head. A further 92 of their lighter heifer sisters 263 kg made 303c/kg or $795.

Among breeding females, a small yarding of SM heifers dropped price significantly on last week as did the SM cows and calves. However, the PTIC Heifers and PTIC Heifers recorded significant increases on last week’s per head price – indicating buyers were happy to pay a big premium for the certainty preg testing provides.

Listings and purchases by state were fairly steady on last week, however NSW producers offered about 2000 additional head.

From Camperdown, Victoria, 26 Angus cows three years averaging 562kg returned $2220/head or 395c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Camperdown, Victoria.

Source: AuctionsPlus