Weekly Cattle Comments - Week ending Friday 12th January

AuctionsPlus commercial cattle offerings boosted to 7,905 head compared to last week's numbers of 4,536, a difference of 74%. Clearance boosted to 78% from 52% last week, while this week's market saw a $42 lift in average value over reserve which came in at $148 per head.

Prices per head for heavy steers weighing more than 400kg fell 7% this week, with a yarding reduced by 90%. On the other hand, the average dollar per head for steers weighing between 200-280kg increased by 3%, and the number of lots offered increased by 42%.

There was strong demand for heifers of all weight ranges, with an increase in head offered and a slight decrease in clearance rate. Heifers in the 330-400kg category recorded an increase of 6% in dollars per head average. That was with a 41% increase in the number of heifers offered in this category, off the back of a quiet week online last week.

Table 1: AuctionsPlus National Weekly Cattle Prices
Report: Interactive Market Dashboard

Steers

Overall, there was an increase in both live weight prices and number of head offered in the steer categories this week compared to last week. Steers 330-400kg registered a larger
offering of 770 head and averaged $1,297/head - up $117 from last week for a 97%
clearance. Prices ranged from 274 - 436c and averaged 361c/kg lwt. A line of 12 Angus/Hereford steers averaging 351kg live from Armidale, NSW, sold for $1,530, which was $350 above reserve.

Heifers

Overall, it can be seen that there was an increase in both live weight prices and number of head offered for heifers in these weight categories compared to last week. Heifers 280-330kg
registered a larger offering of 655 head and averaged $958/head - up $95 from last week for
an 83% clearance. Prices ranged from 250-336c and averaged 308c/kg lwt. A line of 36 Angus heifers averaging 310kg live from Lake Bathurst, NSW, sold for $960, which is $180 above reserve and will travel to a buyer in Wombat, NSW.

Breeding stock

AuctionsPlus featured a more than 40% increase in the number of breeding stock offered this week. The average dollar per head value also saw a notable increase, with this week's average of $1,903 being $508 higher than last week's average of $1395. This is a 30% increase in price per head average.

Note: Prices as at 2pm Friday, 12th January 2024

Table 1: AuctionsPlus National Cattle Prices

AuctionsPlus Interactive Cattle Market Report