Among larger online offerings this week, 406 Brangus PTIC cows in fresh forward condition ranging from 505kg to 549kg, and aged 2-5 years up to 7-13 years from Pentland, North Queensland made from $1200 to $1350.

CATTLE listings on AuctionsPlus rose by seven percent this week to 18,792 head – the largest single weekly catalogue for 2023 so far.

The offering was met with subdued demand, resulting in a 38pc clearance.

So far, each week in May has been the highest weekly listing for the year, signifying producers looking to offload stock as winter approaches.

Prices were mixed across the board with heifers and breeding stock experiencing falls due to increased supply, however steer prices increased this week providing some reprieve on earlier falls.

Some welcome rainfall across the Darling Downs has resulted in higher numbers out of Queensland this week, jumping 50pc to 4153 head. However the higher supply was met with a tough market, resulting in a 35pc clearance for the state and prices generally lower.

Steers averaging 200-280kg recorded a 15pc fall in supply this week at 2401 head, with the lower numbers resulting in the average price climbing $80 to $1080/head or 420c/kg.

From Dulacca, Southern Queensland, 46 Angus weaned steers 7-9 months averaging 254kg returned $1070/head or 421c/kg.

Steers 330-400kg also rose in value, jumping $51 to average $1423 for the 857 head offered. Offerings fell 47pc from last week, sparking more competition for the limited numbers, resulting in a 69pc clearance. From Kentdale, WA, 25 Angus steers 8-9 months averaging 344kg returned $1400 or 407c/kg and will travel to a buyer from Albany, WA.

Steers over 400kg bucked the trend, erasing all last week’s strong gains to average $1473/head, recording a 58pc clearance for the limited 396 head offering.

Heifers

Heifer categories declined across the board this week, apart from the 280-330kg weight range, as larger supply was pushed onto the market.

Heifers 280-330kg jumped $67 to average $1081 for the 940 head on offer and achieved a 45pc clearance. From Armidale, NSW, 90 Angus heifers 8-9 months averaging 314kg returned 357c/kg, when purchased by a Toowoomba buyer.

Heifers 200-280kg remained steady on last week, losing $1 to average $813/head for the 1829 head on offer and posting a 52pc clearance. From Yarrowitch, NSW, three lines of Angus weaned heifers 8-9 months averaging 273kg ranged in price between $860 to $890, with successful buyers from Queensland and NSW.

Breeding females

The cow market took a hit this week, after recording some modest gains last week with almost all categories seeing larger numbers and price falls.

PTIC heifers were the only category to increase in price, jumping $129 to average $1717 for the 2660 head on offer, although buyers were clearly selective with only 13pc of the PTIC heifer catalogue selling.

PTIC cows fell $293 to average $1601 for the 2975 head with clearance hitting 25pc. From Cookardinia, NSW, Poll Hereford PTIC cows 2.5 years averaging 494kg and joined to Angus bulls returned $1610.

Among larger offerings this week, 406 Brangus PTIC cows in fresh forward condition ranging from 505kg to 549kg, and aged 2-5 years up to 7-13 years from Pentland, North Queensland made from $1200 to $1350. The cows were vet PTIC’d to good quality Brangus bulls. The cows were being sold because they are out of the calving window for the vendor.

Prices as at 2pm Friday, 19 May.

Source: AuctionsPlus