Cattle Market Overview: Auction Trends and Prices

Recent data from AuctionsPlus indicates a significant decrease in cattle listings, dropping by 21%, with 13,296 head catalogued and a clearance rate of 77%.

Steer Offerings and Prices

The market trend for young cattle is mixed; the latest reports primarily focused on breeding females. However, some key insights into steer offerings were noted:

• All 300 head of steers under 200kg were sold, averaging 565c/kg—a decline of 52c/kg from last week.
• For steers weighing 280-300kg, 98% of listings were sold at an average of 509c/kg, down 29c/kg week-on-week.
• Steers in the 330-400kg category averaged 510c/kg, despite a decrease in clearance to 79%.
• In the 400kg+ category, 95% cleared, averaging 508c/kg, which is an increase of 27c/kg.

Heifer Market Trends

Heifer markets experienced trends similar to those of steers:

• Light heifers (0–200kg) cleared all lots, averaging 434c/kg—down 112c from the previous week.
• Heifers weighing 200–280kg averaged 445c/kg with 1814 units sold—down 20c/kg.
• Heifers in the 330-400kg range averaged 478c/kg, down 3c/kg.
• Heavier heifers over 400kg averaged 467c/kg, stable compared to last week.

A notable sale included 58 Angus non-station mated heifers and calves, averaging 374kg from Oberon, NSW, which sold for $3160 per pair, heading to a buyer near Rylstone.

Noteworthy Sales

Among significant sales this week, 164 weaned Angus x Ultrablack heifers, weighing 241kg and aged 6-11 months from Longreach, fetched 443c/kg or $1070. Additionally, 133 Angus feeder steers, weighing 494kg and aged 12-18 months from Gunnedah, made 550c/kg.

Breeding Females Performance

In a positive turn, the value of breeding females saw an uptick with limited offerings:

• PTIC (Pregnant Tested In Calf) cows averaged $2361.
• PTIC cows and calves fetched $3000 per pair.
• NSM (Not Station Mated) cows and calves averaged $2787 per pair, with a 75% clearance rate.
• SM (Station Mated) heifers and calves averaged $3514.

Regional Market Highlights

New South Wales and Queensland led clearance rates, collectively selling over 11,000 head. Key regions included:

• Central Western NSW with a 91% clearance of 1043 head sold.
• The North West Slopes & Plains achieving a 97% clearance.
• The Riverina cleared 87%.

In Queensland, 5700 head were offered with an 87% clearance, while Western Queensland reported a leading 95% clearance across 2400 head.

Conclusion

The latest AuctionsPlus data shows noteworthy fluctuations in the cattle market. While certain categories of cattle are seeing price drops, there remain pockets of opportunity with strong sales and high clearance rates in specific regions.