Market Update: AuctionsPlus Steer and Heifer Pricing Trends

Recent AuctionsPlus reports indicate a dynamic shift in steer and heifer pricing, influenced by a smaller yarding of 16,753 head. With only two sales remaining this year, the clearance rate has dipped to 67%, particularly affecting breeding females.

Steer Performance Overview

The performance of steers showcased mixed results across various categories:

• Feeder steers (+400kg): Average price fell by 5c/kg to 498c, with 91% of 916 head finding buyers.
• Steers (330-400kg): A total of 2,350 head cleared at a price of 526c, an increase of 15c on last week.
• Steers (280-330kg): The average price dropped by 36c to 519c, with 61% of the 3,284 head sold.
• Lighter steers (200-280kg): Strong demand led to a 91% clearance of 1,514 head, with prices rising 19c to average 574c/kg.

Notable sales included:

• 144 Droughtmaster steers from Longreach, QLD averaging 175kg returned 703c/kg.
• Seventeen Angus steers from Flowerdale, TAS, averaging 254kg sold for 637c/kg.
• 89 Angus steers from Merriwa, NSW averaging 224kg fetched 626c/kg.

Heifer Pricing Trends

Heifer markets exhibited a downward trend, with the exception of the 330-400kg category, which saw an increase of 13c to average 457c. Here’s how the categories fared:

• Heavy heifers (+400kg): Average price down 14c to 441c, clearing 76%.
• Heifers (280-330kg): Average price dropped 20c to 447c, with a 62% clearance.
• Heifers (200-280kg): Significant drop of 32c to average 435c, with 90% of 1,569 head sold.

Larger Offerings and Breeding Females

This week featured larger offerings, including 218 Braford weaners from Winton, Northwest Queensland. The steer portion averaged 310kg at 523c/kg while the heifers averaged 273kg at 432c/kg.

Breeding Females

Breeding female prices struggled, as evidenced by:

• 834 PTIC heifers averaging $2426, a loss of $208 per head with only a 10% clearance.
• 495 PTIC cows averaging $2168, down $447 with a 33% clearance.

In contrast, NSM cows and calves showed resilience, with 471 pairs clearing 69% and rising $246 to average $2705.

Regional Insights

Queensland remained the leading state in terms of listings and purchasing activity. Southern Queensland, particularly the Dalby and Toowoomba regions, exhibited robust buyer demand. Notably, New South Wales and Victoria also contributed significant numbers, although the supply eased slightly week-on-week, impacting overall market dynamics.

Source: AuctionsPlus