Exclusive AuctionsPlus cattle listings lifted 14% this week, totaling 19,481 head, with light cattle remaining in tight supply. Demand remains robust, with both steers and heifers under 200kg achieving 100% clearance rates. In the physical markets, the EYCI managed to maintain its recent levels, hovering just below 900c for the week.
Reports continue to indicate that many buyers’ efforts to locate and secure light lines continue to be futile, with another week of very few steers below 200kg liveweight being offered online. The indicative online categories were again varied, although the overall market sentiment was cheaper with 10 of the 18 indicative categories reporting price decreases.
Steers 330-400kg regained some of last week’s losses, increasing $51, to average $1,733/head for the 1,615 head offered, achieving a 77% clearance rate. Stronger gains were returned for the 400kg and above steers which increased $251, to average $2,052/head – with a 58% clearance for the 1,249 head offered. Light steers under 200kg lost almost all last week’s gains, retracting $113 to average $1,049/head for the very tight 148 head offered.
From Dunkeld Queensland, a line of 63 weaned Santa Gertrudis/Hereford cross steers sold for 624c/kg – averaging 239kgs these steers are 8-10 months of age.
Heifers reported price falls across 4 out of the 5 weight categories, with only heavy 400kg and above lines increasing in value for the second consecutive week. Achieving a 79% clearance, the category averaged $1,916, increasing by a further $93/head. The largest falls were felt through the under 200kg lines, losing a large percentage of last weeks gain, decreasing $101 to average $1,011/head for the 383 head on offer.
Breeding stock categories did the exact opposite to last weeks movements with cows and calves seeing some strong increases. PTIC heifers and cows remain well supplied seeing 2,465 head and 1,684 head listed, respectively. Supply induced demand resulted in the categories trending in opposite directions with PTIC heifers decreasing $11 to average $2,295 and PTIC cows increasing $222, to average $2,366/head.
A lot of 44 PTIC Angus cows from Tumut NSW, sold for $4,020/head. These 5-year-old cows averaged 671kg liveweight and are PTIC to Reiland, Rennylea & Landfall sires.
NOTE: Prices as at 2pm Friday, 28th May, 2021.