With commercial cattle sales wrapped up for 2025, AuctionsPlus’ Q4 results are in. We take a look at which regions recorded the biggest shifts in cattle throughput during the final quarter.
Backed by firm cattle prices and widespread rainfall across many traditionally high-volume listing areas earlier in the year, Q4 highlighted where producers chose to market cattle - and where supply was held back.Overall, listings recorded a 4% quarter-on-quarter adjustment from Q3, with clearance rates averaging 80%, consistent with long-term norms. Over the longer term, AuctionsPlus throughput remains above levels seen through 2022 and early 2023.
Southern Queensland remained the leading listing region in Q4, accounting for 12% of total national throughput. Listings adjusted 19% quarter-on-quarter, while clearance remained strong at 88%, reflecting continued buyer confidence.
North West Slopes & Plains lifted one position in the rankings, with listings adjusting 5% quarter-on-quarter and clearance holding at 81%.
AuctionsPlus General Manager – Network, Paul Holm said the region continued to produce cattle with weight and finish.
“There was a lot of weight through cattle sold in the Northwest Slopes and Plains… showing that consistency of season they had throughout the growing period”, Mr Holm said.
Central West NSW was one of the standout movers, lifting listings 11% quarter-on-quarter and moving into third position nationally.
Clearance averaged 73%, reflecting balanced supply and demand conditions. Mr Holm said some vendors were able to take advantage of early season opportunities and shift strategy later in the year.
“Vendors in the region had the chance to buy heifers and lightweights early in the season due to the dry conditions down south, and they chose to join them to sell them on an anticipation of a good season later in the year.”
He added that slightly softer clearance results for some lines may have reflected changing seasonal conditions, “Angus heifers only cleared at 70% which is lower than the typical rate, which could be a reflection of the season drying off earlier than people were expecting in that area.”
Western Queensland recorded the largest quarter-on-quarter adjustment, with listings down 37%. However, demand remained exceptionally strong, with the region posting the highest clearance rate nationally at 96%.
The strongest lift in numbers came from Riverina NSW, where listings rose 50% quarter-on-quarter, alongside a clearance rate of 85%, reflecting strong buyer competition as throughput increased. Meanwhile, the Lower South East SA also recorded a sharp rise, lifting listings 47% quarter-on-quarter and clearing 78% of cattle offered.
Price trends through October–December 2025 reflected a seasonal consolidation as supply lifted and buyers became more selective. Across the quarter, the AuctionsPlus Young Cattle Indicator (AYCI) tracked between 885c/kg and 1,036c/kg, with most weeks sitting in the top half of historical price bands.
By comparison, October–December 2024 saw the AYCI typically sit between 680c/kg and 755c/kg, reflecting softer market conditions at the time. While late-2025 values moved into lower quartile bands at points, prices remained materially higher on an absolute basis, holding above 900c/kg through much of December.
Looking ahead, Mr Holm said the outlook for 2026 remains constructive.
“The fundamentals of the beef industry remain strong. It will be interesting to see how the market reacts as the China tariff situation bears out in the coming weeks”, Mr Holm said.
“Fundamentally, demand for global protein, in particular, beef, remains very strong which should give consistent pricing through 2026. Of course, always pending on a strong or and or consistent autumn break.”
Riverina NSW and Lower SE SA lifted most in Q4 2025 (+50% and +47%, respectively).
Southern Queensland continued its reign as top listing region, making up 12% of listings with 88% clearance.
Prices were stronger than Q4 2024, with the sitting between AYCI 885–1,036c/kg.