From north to south, the cattle prices received during the first week of 2022 have continued to challenge record levels, with happy vendors spread from central Queensland through to the scorching hot returns registered down south at the Victorian weaner sales. For buyers, the purchase price pain continues unabated, with “digging deeper into the pockets” likely to be a frequent occurrence during early sales.
For the first AuctionsPlus weaner and yearling sale of 2022, 4,502 head were offered, with very high clearance rates across most categories. Across the young steer lines, the 400kg+ category was the largest, with the 1,115 head offered selling to an 83% clearance rate – averaging $76 higher on the final sale of 2021, at $2,606/head. Robust demand for quality feeder steers continues to underpin the market, with the c/kg price averaging 21c higher, to average 582c/kg lwt.
For the lighter categories, demand was exceptionally strong, albeit with 330-400kg steers slipping $25 to start the year, averaging $2,191/head. 200-280kg steers averaged $73 higher, at $1,842/head – with a 95% clearance rate for the 514 head offered. Out of Moura, Central Queensland, a line of 152 Droughtmaster backgrounder steers, averaging 256kg, sold to $2,070/head, equating to 808.3c/kg liveweight. Nationally, 280-330kg steers averaged $2,095/head, registering a 97% clearance rate for the 471 head offered.
Offerings were very thin for less than 200kg steers and heifers, with the dairy influenced lines dragging average prices for both categories considerably lower.
Highlighting the variability that can be registered in supply reduced early season markets, 200-280kg heifers averaged $169/head lower on the final market of last year, albeit with a 95% clearance rate for the 605 head offered. In contrast, the 280-330kg heifer category jumped $238/head, to average $2,125/head – with a surprisingly low 49% clearance rate for the week.
Through the proven breeding lines, the only substantial numbers offered was across the PTIC heifers, with the 874 head selling to an 85% clearance rate. Compared to the final market of last year, PTIC heifers averaged $40 dearer, at $3,208/head.
Caution should be noted at this week’s results, given the reduced offerings and continued closure of several markets. The return of a fulling roster of sales as January progresses, with additional supplies, will help to establish a clearer equilibrium in the market as January progresses.
NOTE: Prices as at 2pm, Friday 7th January 2022
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