MODERATE to significant falls in c/kg value were seen in most young cattle and breeding stock values on AuctionsPlus this week.

One of the contributing factors was a 21 percent increase in offerings, to 19,226 head.

Prices were back across eight of the ten young cattle categories, while only one of the five breeding stock categories showed an increase, albeit only 7c/kg.

A 73pc increase in the number of 200-280kg steers offered this week, at 3245 head, was the main driver behind a $72 decline in the average, at $1383/head. For 280-330kg steers, the average price eased $55 or 15c/kg, to $1540, with slightly more head offered than last week.

The lightest steer category for cattle less than 200kg attracted only 373 head in listings this week, but prices still fell by 110c/kg on average across the category.

Numbers offered were also very light in the heifers less than 200kg category, but prices lifted 34c/kg on average.

Amongst breeding stock, NSM cows dropped 110c/kg, station-mated heifers were back 40c/kg, and PTIC cows back 14c/kg. The only improvers were cows with calves at foot, up 7c/kg.

Among young cattle, three lines totalling 286 head of 5–9 month old weaned Santa backgrounder steers averaging 234kg from Rolleston Qld, sold for 620.7c/kg or $1455/head. The EU-accredited steers were from Consuelo Cattle Co.

Elsewhere, a line of 45 unweaned Angus steers 7-8 months averaging 224kg from Armidale, NSW sold for 620.7c/kg returning $1620/head.

While supplies this week declined for the heaviest steer category +400kg by 300 head, the average price dropped 23c/kg or $164, to average $1855.

PTIC heifers are attracting keen interest and offers from buyers, but subdued clearance rates, with prices averaging $38 higher on last week, at $2294/head. Station-mated heifers were fewer in number with 705 head offered but were back 40c/kg or $176 on average.

A line of 48 PTIC Angus heifers 16-18 months 445kg joined to Wagyu bulls, out of Walcha NSW, made 678c/kg.

Highlighting the span of AuctionsPlus sales, 110 PTIC cows out of Richmond, Qld, this week averaged $1250. These Brahman PTIC cows ranged from 9-16 years averaged 445kg, with 89pv at FS2. In the same sale, 49 PTIC Angus cows, from Glenburn, Vic, 7-9 years, averaging 593kg sold to $2120.

The past week saw some much-needed falls through central and southern Queensland, with the forecast indicating the potential for much more to follow in the coming week. Given that these two regions had been offering up significant supplies for the almost unquenchable demand for young cattle and breeding stock through eastern Australia in recent months, widespread and overdue falls could squeeze already very tight supplied lines.

• Prices reported as at 2pm Friday, 12 March.