Steer highlights on Friday included these 137 Angus steers 6-10 months sold in two lines averaging 321kg (older end 9-10 months) and 250kg from Inverell, NSW that returned 468c/kg and 460c/kg respectively.

LISTING numbers rose 80 percent to 18,384 head on Elders and Nutrien’s AuctionsPlus on Friday, as earlier weather impacts started to disperse.

The jump in numbers saw supply outstrip demand, as clearance dipped to 64pc, down 24pc on the previous last week, suggesting some buyer hesitation.

Only two steer categories and a single heifer category showed small rises, while breeding female divisions were erratic. Broader market sentiment appeared more cautious amid larger listings and more variable weather conditions.

In the steer market, heavy feeders +400kg performed best, gaining 11c/kg to average 407c. A small offering of 548 head cleared 78pc.

The largest steer division offering of +4000 head was seen in the 2009-280kg range, where prices dropped 6c to average 438c, clearing 74pc.

Mid-weight steers 280-330kg lost 7c to average 424c, clearing 84pc of an offering of 2948 head. The next heaviest 330-400kg steers gained 7c to average 416c, but cleared only 61pc of the offering of 1342 head.

Steer highlights included 137 Angus steers 6-10 months sold in two lines averaging 321kg (older end 9-10 months) and 250kg from Inverell, NSW that returned 468c/kg and 460c/kg respectively.

The heifer market showed more subdued results compared to recent weeks. Heifers +400kg experienced a sharp fall of 17c to average 353c, following last week’s strong gain.

The 330-400kg and 280-330kg heifer categories also eased, with the lighter of thew two back 10c to average 346c, clearing 75pc. Lighter 200-280kg heifers lifted 6c to average 357c.

Fifty two Angus heifers 12-13 months averaging 310kg from Wellington, NSW sold for 358c/kg and are destined for a buyer near Crookwell, NSW.

Despite price fluctuations, clearance rates for heifers remained relatively solid, averaging around 70pc, with lighter categories showing more buyer interest.

Breeding females

Breeding female categories had a mixed week, with prices diverging sharply across listings. Clearance were low in most cases, the exceptions being a handful of NSM cows and SM heifers and calves offered.

PTIC cows lifted $57 to average $1903, while PTIC heifers dropped $42 to average $1691. Clearing 54pc of an offering of 1370. NSM cows and calves lifted $202 to $2331, clearing 54pc. NSM heifers and calves plunged $275 to $2352, reversing last week’s surge.

From Mingoola, QLD, 87 Angus cows 3-6 years averaging 545kg sold for $2580 and will travel to a buyer near Dubbo, NSW.

Listings were up significantly across most regions, with New South Wales and Queensland both showing strong yarding increases following recent rain interruptions. Victoria and South Australia also saw moderate listing rises. The overall national lift in offerings reflects more favourable seasonal conditions and an ongoing willingness among vendors to test the market.

Purchasing activity was more evenly spread across states this week. While NSW and Queensland remained dominant buyers, processor-driven activity and increased Tasmanian and Victorian engagement added to the competitive environment. However, volume buying from restockers appeared more tempered compared to recent weeks.

Source: AuctionsPlus