Weekly AuctionsPlus Report: May 30, 2025

Among larger lines offered this week were some runs of Santa backgrounder heifers from Northwest Queensland. This run of 100 averaging 315kg at 10-18 months from Cloncurry made 343c. Another run numbering 128 averaging 323kg at 12-22 months from Julia Creek made 338c/kg; and a third, also from Julia Creek, numbering 144 heifers at 251kg at 12-18 months made 370c.

This week, offerings fell by 12% in online trading, with a total of 11,983 head presented on AuctionsPlus.

Market Trends

All five steer weight categories and the lighter end of the heifer offerings saw an increase in c/kg value. However, values for breeding females mostly declined.

The smaller offering boosted clearance rates to 79%, driven by strong demand from restockers and some impact from weather conditions.

Sale Highlights

Friday’s Weaner and Yearling sale comprised a significant portion of the listings, with 8,246 head offered and achieving an impressive 88% clearance rate. Demand was particularly strong for lighter lines and midweight steers.

State-wise Activity

Listing volumes remained fairly steady across most states. New South Wales (NSW) experienced the largest decrease, with 5,231 head offered, down by 1,229 from the previous week. In contrast, purchasing activity rose in the southern states of South Australia (SA), Victoria (VIC), and Tasmania (TAS), while Queensland (QLD) saw a reduction with 3,092 head purchased, down by 1,283 from last week.

Steer Market Performance

All categories of steers exhibited double-digit improvements in c/kg value:

• Nearly 1,900 steers weighing 280-330kg achieved a clearance rate of 89%, with prices increasing by 30c/kg compared to last week.
• Steers weighing 200–280kg also lifted by 30c, averaging 464c with a clearance of 91%.
• Heavier steers in the 330–400kg range rose by 20c to average 431c, also clearing at 91%.
• A small offering of heavy steers over 400kg saw a gain of 24c, averaging 415c and clearing the catalogue.

Notable Sales

In Springsure, QLD, 44 Ultrablack/Composite weaned steers aged 7-9 months, averaging 199kg, were sold for $1,010/head or 507c/kg, destined for a buyer near Rolleston, QLD. Additionally, 120 heavier counterparts averaging 235kg sold for 493c/kg.

From Injune, QLD, 93 Angus steers aged 6-9 months, averaging 324kg, fetched $1,580 or 488c/kg, heading to a buyer near Charleville, QLD.

Heifer Market Insights

Lighter heifer lines showed stronger performance, with 200–280kg lines (nearly 2,000 head) increasing by 59c to average 416c, achieving a clearance of 92%.

Heifers in the 280–330kg category offered 800 head, clearing at 84% and averaging 347c, up by 10c from the prior week. However, heavier feeder weights over 400kg experienced a minor dip of 3c, averaging 360c.

Breeding Females

Breeding females faced challenges maintaining last week’s prices. A small offering of station-mated cows increased by $248 to average $2,154, while station-mated heifers dropped by $283 to an average value of $1,424. PTIC cows decreased by $15 to $1,887.

Source: AuctionsPlus