It was another large offering of cattle through AuctionsPlus commercial cattle sales this week, with the 19,255 head offered up 16% on the previous week and 36% above the corresponding sale last year. There was a spring in the step of most of the young cattle lines this week, with high clearance rates and prices rising for seven of the ten categories. This week’s positive three-month rainfall outlook from the BOM will help to maintain the confidence across the market going forward, along with the outstanding results from another week of record bull sales.
Demand for light steers continued to see some excellent prices for suitable lines, with the 2,876 head offered in the 200-280kg category selling to a 99% clearance rate – with prices averaging $20 higher, at $1,579/head. Averaging 206.2kg, a line of 78 weaned Angus/Santa Gertrudis steers sold to $1,585/head – equating to 1,460.8c/kg dressed. Out of Toobeah, southern Queensland, the steers ranged from 160-231kg, and were 8-9 months of age.
At the heavier end of the steer category, the largest weekly offering of 400kg+ steers in many weeks failed to impact prices, which jumped 42c on last week, with an 80% clearance rate for the 1,010 head offered. An indicative line of 104 Angus/Brahman cross feeder steers, out of Clermont, Central Queensland, averaging 403.8kg, sold to $1,990/head. Further south, 52 Angus feeder steers out of Mudgee NSW, averaging 423.2kg, sold to 589.6c/kg liveweight, or $2,485/head.
While the heavier end of the young heifer market slipped back on last weeks levels, the 280-330kg category averaged $99 higher than the previous week, at $1,829/head – with a 97% clearance rate. 330-400kg heifers finished the week $58 lower on last week, at $2,019/head.
While there was another solid offering of PTIC heifers, at 1,890 head, the 68% clearance rate for the week highlighted some distance between vendors and buyers. With higher reserves set for many lines, the average for the week finished $124 higher on last week, at $2,607/head.
As has been the case throughout 2021, any proven breeding lines with CAF have been highly sort after. This week, an indicative line of 28 PTIC Poll Hereford cows with CAF, sold to $3,820/head. Out of Bool Lagoon, lower southeast SA, the cows averaged 578.7kg, while the CAF ranged from 142-238kg and 3-5-months of age.
NOTE: Prices as at 2pm Friday, 3rd September, 2021.