MOST steer and heifer categories recorded double-digit increases in c/kg price on AuctionsPlus on Friday, where the offering fell 28pc in size to 16,219 head.

The smaller offering saw clearance rise considerably, reaching 81pc, up 19 percentage points on the previous week.

While supply eased, offerings remained substantial and elevated relative to typical seasonal levels, underpinned by ongoing dry conditions in northern NSW.

Regionally, Northern NSW continued to dominate supply, accounting for 45pc of total listings. However, the regional composition shifted, with the Central West emerging as the largest contributor this week, replacing the Northern Tablelands which had led offerings in recent weeks.

Steers again made up the largest share of listings and posted broad-based price gains, with lighter categories led the recovery.

Steers 200–280kg attracted just over 3000 head, clearing 82pc, with prices lifting 41c to average 511c/kg.

Mediumweights 280-330kg gained 31c to average 505c/kg, clearing 89pc of the 1950 offered.

Steers 330–400kg lifted 5c to average 476c/kg, clearing 89pc of the 970 offered. Feeder weights +400kg offered only a token 238 head, clearing 84pc, with prices continuing to ease, slipping 47c to average 449c/kg.

A small offering of 209 steers less than 200kg cleared 75pc, with prices up 89c to average 571c/kg.

Steer highlights included Shorthorn steers 12-13 months averaging 391kg from Sunnyside, TAS returning 478c/kg, travelling to a buyer in Lower Barrington, TAS.

An offering of 103 Brangus backgrounder steers 277kg at 7-14 months from Winton, Northwest Queensland made 520c/kg, while 114 EU and Organic Certified Angus composite weaned steers 250kg at 7-8 months from Augathella, western Queensland made 549c/kg or $1375, bought by a Certified Organic supply chain. The vendor would usually retain these steers & grow out to heavier kill weights, however due to the seasonal conditions these steers were put up for grabs.

In the heifer market, clearance rates and prices lifted across the board, after a few tough weeks. Heifer clearance reached 86pc.

Among categories with significant numbers, heifers 200-280kg cleared 89pc of the offering of 2660, with prices up 25c to average 391c. An offering of 833 heifers 280-330kg cleared 90pc, with prices up 66c to average 435c.

Seventy five Angus heifers 12-13 months averaging 344kg from Gunnedah, NSW, returned $1490 or 433c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Quirindi, NSW.

Breeding females

Breeding female clearance improved to 70pc, reflecting more active, but still selective, buyer engagement. Demand continues to centre on quality and proven breeding lines.

PTIC heifers and cows rose $45 and $102 respectively, to average $1746 and $1941, while station mated heifers and cows jumped $282 and $337 respectively, after some challenging weeks during April.

From Holbrook, NSW, 47 Angus PTIC cows 3-13 years averaging 488kg returned $2290 and will travel to a buyer near Wagga Wagga, NSW.

Source: AuctionsPlus