This line of 50 Angus mediumweight feeder steers 356kg at 10-12 months out of Nyngan Central Western NSW made 423.7c/kg or $1510 a head on Friday.
SOLID c/kg price rises were seen in all but the lightest young steer and heifer categories in online trading last week, where AuctionsPlus saw offerings fall by 24 percent to 10,720 head.
Clearance increased from 68pc to 77pc. The stronger demand was felt across most stock categories, although breeding females were more inconsistent. The lighter end of the steer and heifer market recorded the strongest gains after falling the previous week, while the heavier end of the market continues its strong run.
Processor/lotfeeder activity picked up slightly this week to 8.6pc with 720 head of the sold offering purchased by these buyers, especially among steers 400kg and heavier. Heifers in the 330-400kg range were also sought after.
Feeder steers remain closely priced with their weaner counterpart, with the premium relaxing slightly this week given the stronger prices received for lighter steers. The current price for feeder steers bought online is at an 18 month high, with the last time 400kg + steers averaged above $1800 in the second week of February in 2023.
Lots that sold during the auction averaged 7pc above set reserves, whereas lots that sold after auction through negotiation sold 4pc below.
Western Queensland was the largest listing region this week, with the 1805 head slightly back on last week. This regional offering received some strong competition from both local and interstate buyers, with 85pc of the offering selling and 50pc of the sold offering heading into NSW. The Northwest Slopes & Plains was the second largest listing region with 1295 head offered and receiving strong competition with a 92pc clearance.
Western Queensland was also the largest purchasing region this week, with 2566 head entering the region. Western Queensland more than doubled the next highest region, which was again the NW Slopes & Plains of NSW, who purchased 1227 head.
Steers 200-280kg more than halved in offering size from the previous week with the 1056 head down 57pc. The smaller offering was met with positive buyer demand, as prices lifted 38c/kg to average 431c/kg. From Cassilis, NSW, 42 Angus steers 10-12 months averaging 247kg returned $1210/head, or 490c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Merriwa, NSW.
Steers 400kg and above continue their run, lifting 14c to average 418c/kg. The offering was smaller than last week by a third, and given the tight supply, the heavier steer category received some selective buying with a 78pc clearance.
From Nundle, NSW, 80 Angus steers 10-12 months averaging 419kg returned $1801 or 430c/kg.
Steers 330-400kg logged a 33c/kg rise last week, averaging 407c/kg for a 91pc clearance.
This line of 50 Angus mediumweight feeder steers 356kg at 10-12 months out of Nyngan Central Western NSW made 423.7c/kg or $1510 a head on Friday.
Heifers
Heifer categories enjoyed some strong price rises this week, with the mid weight categories posting some strong gains.
The most populous heifer category was the 200-280kg category with the 1874 head rising $144 to average $837/head – achieving a 90pc clearance. From Bonshaw, NSW, 70 Angus heifers 9-11 months averaging 263kg returned $1030/head, or 392c/kg.
Heifers 280-330kg led the charge from a gains perspective, with the 976 head lifting 65c to average 378c. From Culcairn, NSW, 30 Angus heifers 12-14 months averaging 317kg returned $1,860/head, or 587c/kg.
Breeding females
Breeding stock had a strong week, with five categories rising on last week and only one falling. PTIC categories enjoyed some strong results, while NSM cows and calves recorded the strongest price gain.
PTIC heifers rose $173 on last week to average $1790 for the 622 head on offer. From Mungindi, QLD 69 Santa PTIC heifers 16-20 months averaging 439kg and in calf to Angus LBW bulls returned $1920/pair.
Prices as at 9pm Friday, August 16.
Source: AuctionsPlus