Surge in Young Cattle Prices: Recent Online Auctions Show Promising Trends

Among larger steer lines on AuctionsPlus this week, these 178 Santa weaned steers 218kg at 7-8 months from Hungerford, western Qld made 568c/kg

Young cattle prices have continued their upward trajectory on online trading platforms during the latest auction rounds.

The inaugural Stocklive online cattle auction completed today marked a significant milestone with a 100% clearance rate of seven lots, totaling around 460 head of cattle. A total of thirty-five registered bidders participated, ensuring a swift completion by 11:20 AM. Among the buyers were processors, restockers, and lot feeders. The next auction is scheduled for November 20.

Highlights of the Auction

• 80 Angus feeder steers weighing 423kg at 14-16 months from Walcha, NSW sold for $2040 (482c/kg).
• 75 Angus feeder steers weighing 459kg from Binnalong, NSW fetched $2295 (500c/kg).
• 40 Angus backgrounder steers weighing 381kg from Holbrook, NSW sold for $1900 (499c/kg).
• 62 Angus backgrounder steers at 318kg from Holbrook, NSW sold for $1710 (538c/kg).
• 89 Ultrablack PTIC cows weighing 498kg from Blackall, QLD, attracted seven bids and sold for $2300.
• 28 Angus non-station-mated cows and calves from Tamworth, NSW, where the cows weighed 729kg at 5-7 years, were sold for $3200.

Performance on AuctionsPlus

In AuctionsPlus sales, most categories for steers and heifers showed an increase in price per kilogram while breeding females also saw positive movement, despite an overall clearance rate of 86%, dropping 7% from the previous week.

The total offering increased by 9% to 9293 head compared to the prior week. The Weaner and Yearling Sale ended with a 90% clearance rate, supported by a notable rise in processor activity, which jumped to 22%, more than double last week’s figures.

Steer Categories and Pricing

Among the larger steer lines, those weighing 330-400kg averaged 513c/kg (a rise of 4c/kg), clearing 86% of the 1121 head offered. Feeder steers over 400kg saw a slight decline, averaging 492c/kg but still clearing 86% of the 936 head available.

Significant gains were noted in the 280-330kg steers, which lifted 55c/kg to average 564c/kg, almost entirely clearing the 873 head on offer.

For example, 94 Angus steers aged 12-13 months from Braidwood, NSW, averaging 354kg, sold for 577c/kg, destined for a buyer near Gundagai, NSW. Likewise, 90 Angus steers aged 13-14 months from Bundella, NSW, averaging 285kg, sold for an impressive 662c/kg, and will also head toward a buyer near Walcha, NSW.

Heifer Market Performance

In heifer categories, prices rose in three of the four active categories. Heavy heifers over 400kg improved by 16c to an average of 479c/kg, clearing 97% of the 700 head on offer. However, heifers weighing 330-400kg saw a slight decrease of 7c to an average of 467c/kg, also achieving a 97% clearance rate for the 911 head offered.

Trends in Breeding Females

Breeding stock showed significant movements as well, with non-station-mated cows and calves surging by $710/pair to an average price of $2950. Conversely, station-mated cows and calves rose by $162/pair to reach an average of $2803, while non-station-mated heifers and calves saw a decline of $293, averaging $2759.

From Tarcutta, NSW, 72 Angus PTIC heifers aged 18-20 months, averaging 418kg, returned $2310 each and are set to travel to a buyer near Naracoorte, SA.

Sources: AuctionsPlus, Stocklive