Weekly Cattle Market Update: Decline in Offerings Amid Weather Prospects
These 147 Angus steers, aged 6-7 months and averaging 215kg from Cootamundra, NSW, returned 619c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Narrandera, NSW.
This week, the cattle offerings on AuctionsPlus saw a significant decline, with only 8650 head catalogued—a drop of 27% from the previous week. This decrease can be attributed to the anticipated rain that dampened vendor interest.
Market Overview
The overall clearance rate fell by ten percentage points to 70%. Nationally, listing volumes contracted, mainly in the eastern states, where the bulk of the supply originated. Buyer activity remained concentrated in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, driven by competition for lighter steers, which underpinned the strongest price gains for the week.
Price Trends
Lighter and medium-weight steers experienced an uptick in prices (c/kg), while heifer values mostly softened. Steers led the market, averaging 529c/kg LW, which is a notable 90c/kg premium over heifers.
Specifically, steers weighing between 200-280kg increased by 28c/kg from last week to average 562c, successfully clearing 78% of the 1500 head offered. Medium-weight steers (280-330kg) saw a smaller rise of 16c to average 524c, with a clearance rate of 77% from an offering of 1050. However, heavier steers (330-400kg) gained only 15c to average 503c, while those over 400kg dropped by 12c to average 478c, clearing 72% of a 600-strong offering.
Steer Highlights
Several standout sales included:
- 147 Angus steers from Cootamundra, NSW, averaging 215kg and returning 619c/kg.
- Twenty-six Angus steers aged 4-6 months from Glen Alice, NSW, averaging 117kg, which returned $760/head or 647c/kg.
- 25 Angus heifers, 8-9 months old from Pemberton, WA, averaging 291kg and selling for 514c/kg.
Heifer Market Insights
Heifers in the 200-280kg category were the only segment to improve, rising 38c to average 463c, but only clearing 63% of the 932 head offered. Heifers weighing 280-330kg experienced a slight decline, averaging 426c, while the 330-400kg group lost 4c to average 424c, clearing 55% of 843 head. Heavier heifers (400kg+) fell by 25c, averaging 411c with an 86% clearance among the smaller offering of 215 head, showing more selective demand at this weight range.
Breeding Females Performance
Breeding females saw a clearance rate of only 62%. Among the larger offerings, PTIC cows numbered 539 with a 65% clearance, averaging $1683 after a $599 price drop. PTIC heifers, 451 in total, saw a 47% clearance, with prices increasing by $435 to average $2227. SM cows and calves, which had over 200 head, edged $18 higher to average $2127, successfully clearing 86% of the 208 head.
Source: AuctionsPlus
This article provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the recent cattle market trends while ensuring it is formatted for optimal readability and organization within a WordPress environment.
