A total of 13,822 head were offered in the AuctionsPlus commercial cattle sales this week – up 15% on last week although 20% below the corresponding week last year. Weaker demand in a softening cattle market was reflected in lower clearance rates and value over reserve, with red ink taking over the price tables this week.

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The first full week of February saw 12,014 head offered in the AuctionsPlus commercial cattle sales – up 26% on last week but 43% ...
Commercial cattle offerings took a step back this week, with the 9,516 head offered down 23% on last week and 48% on the same week...
For the final cattle sale of January, AuctionsPlus cattle listings remained firm on last week, reaching a total of 12,289 head.
The first full week of February saw 12,014 head offered in the AuctionsPlus commercial cattle sales – up 26% on last week but 43% below the same week last year.
Tighter numbers through the five young steer categories failed to rally prices, with all but the heaviest lines registering a decline on last week on a $/head basis.
The offering was largely dominated by PTIC heifers and heavy steers this week.
Steers - largest offering was for the 330-400kg lines, with the 1,113 head offered selling to a 53% clearance rate - averaging $1,663/head, up 17% on last week.
Numbers continued to be well back for the young heifer lines, only making up 22% of the entire market.
It was a slow first week for AuctionsPlus commercial cattle, with attention firmly fixed upon the kick-off to the weaner sales through southern regions.
Listings dropped away for the final AuctionsPlus commercial cattle sale of 2022, down 48% from last week to 9,679 head – the lowest weekly level since August.
While the recent decline in the cattle market has corresponded with a run of dry conditions, it’s far more indicative of a market with motivated sellers and very watchful buyers.

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