From Walcha, NSW these 130 Angus heifers 12-13 months averaging 301kg offered in two lines returned 163c and 166c/kg and will travel to buyers near Walla Walla, NSW and Tottenham, NSW. A further 62 lighter sisters 267kg made 165c/kg.

A larger 8630 head offering on AuctionsPlus last week was met with reduced competition, as most young steer and heifer categories declined in average price.

Clearance fell to 51pc, down six percentage points.

The overall market trended lower this week, however some breeding cattle categories increased in value. Breeding females registered a 20pc rise in offerings, and clearance rates were more consistent than the steer and heifer lines.

Steers 200-280 attracted 974 entries, averaging 54c/kg lower than the previous week at 215c/kg.

Steers 280-330kg registered a smaller offering of 1109 head and averaged 206c/kg or $637/head – down $137 or 49c/kg from the previous week for a 30pc clearance. Prices ranged from 170-279c. From Nevertire, NSW 85 Poll Hereford steers 14-15 months averaging 312kg returned $530 or 170c and will travel to a buyer in Inverell, NSW.

Among larger lines offered this week, 216 weaned Charbray steers 294kg at 6-11 months from Boulia, far west Queensland, were passed in at 228c/kg, while no bid were received on a further 72 Brahman weaners similar weight. A line of 158 Droughtmaster weaned steers 217kg at 5-11 months from Adavale, further south, made 216c.

Steers 330-400kg cleared a similarly low 30pc, even with a smaller offering than the previous week at 1224 head. Prices ranged from 193-263c and averaged 221c/kg. Sixty Angus steers 15-16 months averaging 389kg from Wellington, NSW returned $870/head or 224c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Gundagai, NSW.

A small offering of 380 heavy steers +400kg sold 3c/kg cheaper averaging 224c/kg.

Heifers

Heifers 280-330kg registered a larger offering of 920 head and averaged $564 or 184c/kg – down 5c from the previous week for a 36pc clearance. Prices ranged from 158-232c. From Walcha, NSW 130 Angus heifers 12-13 months averaging 301kg offered in two lines returned 163c and 166c/kg and will travel to buyers in Walla Walla, NSW and Tottenham, NSW. A further 62 lighter sisters 267kg made 165c/kg.

Heifers 330-400kg registered a larger offering of 852 head and averaged 203c/kg, up  2pc from the previous week for a 55pc clearance. Prices ranged from 166-239c. A line of 32 Angus heifers 12-14 months averaging 371kg from Uranquinty, NSW returned 194c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Wodonga, VIC.

Breeding Stock

PTIC heifers registered a larger offering of 211 head and averaged $1073 – down $57 from last week for a 93pc clearance. From Hay, NSW 177 Angus heifers split between three lots, 14-16 months averaging 439kg, returned $1100/head and will travel to a buyer in Lavington, NSW.

Prices as at 2pm Friday 20 October.

Source: AuctionsPlus