Cattle Market Update: Strengthening Trends Amidst Increased Offerings
Among larger steer lines offered this week, 541 Droughtmaster and Droughtmaster cross backgrounder steers from Muttaburra, North Queensland, sold in five lots in store condition from 257kg to 269kg at 7-18 months, making from 442c/kg to 537c/kg.
This week, the online cattle market displayed notable strength as offerings on Elders’ and Nutrien’s AuctionsPlus platform increased to 15,331 head, representing a 17% uplift compared to last week, although clearance rates dipped slightly by 4% to 82%.
Steer Performance Overview
Lighter steer categories saw a dip in prices per kilogram, while medium and heavier weights, with the exception of heavy feeders (over 400kg), experienced generally positive trends. Heavy feeders averaged 514c, losing 8c from the previous week, clearing 85% from an offering of 1,477 head.
A substantial offering of 1,959 steers weighing 200-280kg declined by 5c/kg to an average of 563c, while the 280-330kg steers performed best, clearing 90% and averaging 561c, an increase of 36c from the previous week.
In a noteworthy transaction, a line of 126 Angus steers aged 10-12 months with an average weight of 250kg from Tooma, VIC, fetched an impressive 681c/kg.
Heifer Trends
Heifer divisions demonstrated a price increase, particularly in the 200-280kg category, where 1,440 heifers increased by 44c to average 509c, clearing 78%.
From Cavendish, VIC, a group of 83 Angus heifers aged 11-12 months, averaging 175kg, returned an impressive 680c/kg, destined for a buyer in Apsley, VIC.
Breeding Females and Market Demand
Breeding Females
Breeding females saw significant price movements as SM Cows increased sharply by $537 to average $2,670, supported by a full clearance. SM heifers tracked higher as well, gaining $382 to $1,890, while NSM heifers and calves rose by $116 to average $3,149, buoyed by an 82% clearance rate.
Seventy-five Angus steers aged 8-10 months from Glenmorgan, QLD, sold for $1,750 each, heading to a buyer in Molong, NSW.
Regional Insights
Purchasing activity across the regions was widespread, highlighting robust national demand. New South Wales remained the leading purchasing state, acquiring 6,100 head, a 5% increase from the previous week. Queensland also showed strength, finishing with 3,360 head, an increase of 7%. Victoria experienced one of the most significant improvements, with a 70% rise, while South Australia expanded its presence, securing 1,145 head.
Source: AuctionsPlus
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