Among larger lines offered this week were some runs of Santa backgrounder heifers from Northwest Queensland. This run of 100 averaging 315kg at 10-18 months from Cloncurry made 343c. Another run numbering 128 averaging 323kg at 12-22 months from Julia creek made 338c/kg; and a third, also from Julia Creek, numbering 144 heifers 251kg at 12-18 months made 370c.    

OFFERINGS fell 12 percent in online trading this week, with 11,983 head presented on AuctionsPlus.

All five steer weight categories and the lighter end of the heifers increased in c/kg value, while breeding female values were mostly down.

The smaller offering saw clearance lift to 79pc, buoyed by strong restocker demand and some weather impact.

Friday’s weekly Weaner and Yearling sale accounted for a large share of the listings with 8246 head offered. The sale closed with an 88pc clearance, with demand seen for lighter lines and midweight steers.

Listing activity remained relatively stable across most states. NSW experienced the greatest change with 5231 offered, down 1229 on last week. Purchasing activity lifted in the southern states SA, VIC, and TAS. However, buying activity decreased into QLD with 3092 purchased, down 1283 week on last week.

All the steer categories showed double digit improvement in c/kg value.

An offering of almost 1900 steers 280-330kg cleared 89pc, with prices lifting 30c/kg on last week. Steers 200–280kg also lifted 30c, averaging 464c, with a clearance of 91pc, while heavier steers 330–400kg rose 20c to average 431c, clearing 91pc. A small offering of heavy steers +400kg (either Angus or Santa types) also gained 24c to average 415c, clearing the catalogue.

From Springsure, QLD 44 Ultrablack/Composite weaned steers 7-9 months averaging 199kg returned $1010/head or 507c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Rolleston, QLD. A further 120 heavier brothers averaging 235kg made 493c/kg.

From Injune, QLD 93 Angus steers 6-9 months averaging 324kg returned $1580 or 488c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Charleville, QLD.

In the heifer market, lighter lines performed better, with 200–280kg lines (almost 2000 in number) lifting 59c to average 416c, clearing 92pc.

Heifers 280–330kg offered 800 head, clearing 84pc to average 347c, up 10c on last week. Heavier categories lost some ground, price wise, with feeder weights +400kg down 3c to average 360c.

From Condobolin, NSW 126 Angus heifers 9-10 months averaging 251kg returned $1300/head or 517c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Barraba, NSW.

Among larger lines offered this week were some runs of Santa backgrounder heifers from Northwest Queensland. One run of 100 averaging 315kg at 10-18 months from Cloncurry made 343c; another run numbering 128 averaging 323kg at 12-22 months from Julia creek made 338c/kg; and a third, also from Julia Creek, numbering 144 heifers 251kg at 12-18 months made 370c.

Breeding females mostly struggled to maintain last week’s prices, with the exception of a small offering of station-mated cows that lifted $248 to average $2154. Station-mated heifers dropped $283 in average value to $1424, while PTIC cows dropped $15 to $1887.

Source: AuctionsPlus