Market Trends in Livestock: A Weekly Review
Among larger lines sold last week, 330 Angus and Angus composite weaned steers averaging 298kg at 10-11 months from Cunnamulla on the Qld/NSW border sold in four lines, making from 464-470c/kg.
Livestock prices are showing varied trends in the latest AuctionsPlus offerings, with steer prices generally increasing while heifer prices took a downturn. This week, a significant total of 25,180 head of cattle were listed, reflecting a 26% increase in the catalogue compared to last week, following a broader trend observed in saleyards.
Northern NSW Influences
Seasonal factors in Northern NSW are contributing to higher listings, which account for a notable 61% of total offerings this week, well above the historical average of 36%. Despite this large influx of cattle, clearance rates fell sharply to just 54%, down by 19 percentage points from the previous week.
Steer Performance
Steers dominated the listings, and they yielded the best pricing outcomes, albeit with some challenges in clearance rates. Notably, nearly 5,000 steers weighing 200-280kg saw prices rise by 26c/kg to an average of 536c, but the clearance stood at only 49%.
For steers in the 280-330kg range, 3,462 head were listed, with a clearance of 51% and a marginal increase of 1c to average 506c. In contrast, steers weighing 330-400kg experienced a price drop of 37c, averaging 487c from an offering of 1,432 head, with a clearance rate of 60%. Heavier feeder steers over 400kg gained 26c to average 520c, although this category had a limited listing of 275 head, achieving a clearance of 74%.
Notable Sales
Among the substantial steer sales last week, 225 Droughtmaster steers between 7-24 months from Boulia, Northwestern Queensland, sold for 457c/kg, averaging 341kg. Additionally, 198 Angus weaners aged 5-12 months from Barcaldine sold for 546c/kg, averaging 260kg for the steer portion and 408c for the heifer portion, averaging 247kg.
Further south, another batch of 330 Angus and Angus composite weaned steers from Cunnamulla sold for prices ranging between 464-470c/kg, averaging 298kg.
Heifer Pricing Trends
Heifer prices show a consistent decline across all weight categories, dropping between 3c and 16c/kg. The most prominent listings were for heifers weighing 200-280kg, with nearly 3,000 head clearing 66% at an average price drop of 16c to 398c. Heifers in the 280-330kg and 330-400kg ranges also saw reductions, averaging 414c and 433c, respectively, with clearance rates of 68% and 65%.
Another significant transaction included 86 Angus heifers, aged 18-22 months and averaging 354kg, from Ebor, NSW, which fetched $1590 or 450c/kg and will be transported to a buyer in Queensland.
Breeding Females Overview
The results for breeding females were mixed, with solid gains noted for SM and PTIC cows, increasing by $231 and $176 respectively. Conversely, prices for PTIC heifers and SM heifers decreased by $170 and $122 respectively. Cow and calf units remained robust, particularly non-pregnant (NSM) lines, which have been commanding premiums.
A notable sale involved 14 Red Angus composite PTIC heifers aged 19-20 months from Limestone, VIC, which returned $3,200 each and will be sent to a buyer in Kilmore, VIC.
Source: AuctionsPlus
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