AuctionsPlus commercial cattle listings lifted strongly this week, with offerings rising 22% to 10,765 head for the week ending Friday, February 20. This week’s results reveal a clear trend toward stronger competition for heavier cattle, with both steers and heifers over 400kg delivering the most significant week-on-week gains.
AuctionsPlus commercial cattle listings lifted strongly this week, with offerings rising 22% to 10,765 head for the week ending Friday, February 20. This week’s results reveal a clear trend toward stronger competition for heavier cattle, with both steers and heifers over 400kg delivering the most significant week-on-week gains.
The market recorded an average steer price of 528c/kg and an average heifer price of 437c/kg, maintaining a healthy 91c premium for steers over heifers. Clearance remained firm at 76%, only 1 percentage point softer week-on-week, while steers again led performance with an 86% clearance rate.
In the breakdown, steers weighing 280–330kg also improved, gaining 4c to average 524c/kg, while prices for those weighing 330–400kg steers remained relatively steady, easing just 2c to 501c/kg. Lighter steers experienced some softening, with 0–200kg easing 17c to average 593c/kg, although this band still achieved the highest c/kg result overall.
Meanwhile for heifers, trends were mixed, though heavier lines posted solid gains. Heifers 400kg+ rose 30c/kg to average 442c/kg, representing the strongest week-on-week lift across all heifer weight bands. Heifers weighing 330–400kg also improved, gaining 22c to average 444c/kg.
Lighter heifers experienced price adjustments, with the lightest category, those under 200kg easing 41c to average 413c/kg, and both the 200–280kg and 280–330kg categories contracting 15c to average 445c/kg and 408c/kg respectively. Despite this, clearance remained resilient in the lighter categories, with 0–200kg heifers achieving full clearance.
Results across breeding lines were varied, with several positive price shifts evident. PTIC cows recorded a significant $396/head lift to average $2,110, while SM cows and calves rose $331/head to $2,460. Mixed sex offerings also performed strongly, lifting $201/head to average $1,016 and achieving a 98% clearance.
PTIC heifers improved $41/head to average $2,267, reinforcing steady demand for joined females. While some SM lines recorded price corrections, overall clearance rates across breeding stock remained generally solid, particularly for mixed and joined categories.
From Cooma, NSW, a line of 44 Angus/Angus/Hereford steers aged 5 to 6 months old and weighing 179kg returned $1,080/head, or 603c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Griffith, NSW.
From Springsure, QLD, a line of 74 Brahman/Hereford Cross station mated cows & calves aged 5 to 12 years old and weighing 437kg returned $2,620/head and will travel to a buyer in Emerald, QLD.
From Baan Baa, QLD, a line of 39 Santa Gertrudis/Hereford PTIC heifers aged 17 to 20 months old and weighing 474kg returned $2,800/head and will travel to a buyer in Banana, QLD.
The AuctionsPlus Young Cattle Indicator (AYCI) strengthened 36c week-on-week to 966c/kg DW, supported by strong gains across lighter steer and heifer categories. Despite a softening in listings this week to 8,650 head offered, and a softer clearance rate of 70% (down 10 percentage points), price momentum remained firmly positive in key young cattle lines.
Steers led the market, averaging 529c/kg and maintaining a 90c premium over heifers. Four of the five steer weight categories lifted week-on-week, with the largest movement recorded in the lightest category of steers, weighing under 200kg, which lifted up 33c to 609c/kg. Steers 200.1–280kg gained 28c to average 562c/kg, while 280.1–330kg lifted 16c and 330.1–400kg rose 15c. Only the 400kg+ steers eased, back 12c to 478c/kg.
Heifers averaged 439c/kg. The 200.1–280kg category posted the strongest improvement, lifting 37c week-on-week, while heavier 400kg+ heifers eased 25c, reflecting more selective demand at the heavier end.
Steers cleared at 79%, outperforming heifers at 63% and breeding stock at 62%. On a per head basis, lighter steer categories also recorded solid gains, with steers weighing under 200kg lifting $44 to average $993/head.
The lift in the AYCI to 966c/kg DW places the indicator at one of its firmer points in recent months, continuing its upward trajectory as supply tightens and competition for lighter cattle strengthens.
Listing volumes contracted nationally this week, with eastern states contributing the majority of supply. Purchasing activity remained concentrated across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, where competition for lighter steers underpinned the week’s strongest price gains.
Processors accounted for 6% of all purchases made.
From Cootamundra, NSW, a line of 147 Angus steers aged 6 to 7 months old and weighing 215kg returned $1,330/head, or 619c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Narrandera, NSW.
From Glen Alice, NSW, a line of 26 Angus steers aged 4 to 6 months old and weighing 117kg returned $760/head, or 647c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Rylstone, NSW.
From Pemberton, WA, a line of 25 Angus heifers aged 8 to 9 months old and weighing 291kg returned $1,495/head, or 514c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Albany, WA.
Commercial cattle numbers on AuctionsPlus eased slightly this week, with 11,819 head offered. Despite the modest reduction in supply, market confidence strengthened, reflected in improved clearance and pricing outcomes across key young cattle categories.
The clearance rate lifted sharply to 71%, up 19 percentage points, signalling stronger buyer engagement and improved alignment between vendor expectations and market demand. The value over reserve increased to $83/head, up $6. The AuctionsPlus Young Cattle Indicator (AYCI) rose 9 cents to 936c/kg LW, extending its upward momentum.
Steers remained the dominant category, with 4,865 head offered and a solid 79% clearance rate, averaging 516c/kg. The strongest price movement was again seen in the 280–330kg steers, lifting 25c/kg to 515c/kg, with average returns rising $71/head. Steers weighing between 330–400kg firmed 4c/kg to 490c/kg, while steers over 400kg improved 8c/kg to 492c/kg, supported by consistent processor demand. Lighter 200–280kg steers eased 4c/kg, though clearance remained strong at 83%, indicating demand remained intact. Heifer offerings totalled 4,350 head, clearing 78% at an average of 432c/kg. Breeding stock listings sat at 2,647 head, with generally softer clearance.
From Glen Innes, NSW, a line of 65 Angus steers aged 10 to 12 months old and weighing 282kg returned $1,670/head, or 593c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Miles, QLD.
From Bombala, NSW, a line of 59 Angus steers aged 5 to 6 months old and weighing 203kg returned $1,200/head, or 592c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Lake Albert, NSW.
From Muttaburra, QLD, a line of 114 Angus/Brangus steers aged 11 to 14 months old and weighing 260kg returned $1,490/head, or 573c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Winton, QLD.
AuctionsPlus commercial cattle supply lifted this week, with 12,639 head offered, up 12% week-on-week. The larger offering met more selective buying, with national clearance easing to 44%, while the AuctionsPlus Young Cattle Indicator (AYCI) softened 8c to 938c/kg DW. Despite the softer clearance, competition improved in places, with the amount over reserve lifting $51 to $98.
Steers delivered the clearest positive price signal in the 200–280kg category, which rose 12c to 540c/kg and lifted $35 to average $1,300/head. Lightweight steers weighing under 200kg recorded 75% clearance and gained $63 to average $1,025/head, even as the c/kg result eased 52c to 547c/kg.
Heavier steer categories were generally softer, with 330–400kg down 24c to 489c/kg and 400kg+ down 20c to 485c/kg, while average prices eased across the heavier lines.
Heifers were steady to slightly easier overall, but the heavier end remained a clear bright spot. Heifers weighing 400kg+ achieved a standout 92% clearance and only eased 2c to 437c/kg, showing solid demand for heavier, more finished types.
The volume weight categories eased for the females, with those weighing 200–280kg down 19c to 424c/kg and 330–400kg down 18c to 420c/kg, while clearance remained reasonable in the midweights.
Breeding stock results were mixed, but PTIC categories showed encouraging momentum. PTIC heifers lifted $101 to average $2,408/head and PTIC cows improved $79 to $2,328/head.
Processors accounted for 10% of all purchases made.
From Braidwood, NSW, a line of 30 Angus steers aged 4 to 5 months old and weighing 214kg returned $1,260/head, or 590c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Bairnsdale, VIC.
From Glenellen, NSW, a line of 140 Angus steers aged 5 to 6 months old and weighing 207kg returned $1,210/head, or 584c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Young, NSW.
From Blackall, QLD, a line of 116 Droughtmaster steers aged 9 to 14 months old and weighing 268kg returned $1,450/head, or 541c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Blackall, QLD.
AuctionsPlus commercial cattle market for the week ending Friday, January 23, delivered a larger offering and a steadier overall market tone. The biggest listing-driven changes this week were clearly felt in the lighter cattle categories, with light steers and light heifers showing the strongest price improvement and solid clearance.
Total commercial cattle offerings lifted to 14,419 head, up 31% week-on-week, reflecting a strong lift in supply coming onto the platform. Even with the larger offering, demand remained active, and the weekly VOR (amount over reserve) improved to $76/head, up $3/head, showing buyers were still prepared to stretch for well-bred, well-presented lines.
The AYCI eased to 940 c/kg LW, down 7c/kg LW week-on-week. While this is a modest correction, the indicator remains historically strong, sitting well above long-term levels that producers would recognise as “average” market conditions. The current reading continues to signal that young cattle values are holding at a premium in the broader cycle, even as supply builds and the market takes a breather.
Clearance rate softened this week as the larger offering met more selective purchasing. This result points to a market that is still operating with confidence, but one where buyers are being more price-sensitive and reserving their strongest bids for cattle that fit processor and feeder specifications.
The greatest shifts this week in terms of price were weight specific, with lighter lines clearing well, and softening across the heavier categories. Steers weighing under 200kg averaged 599c/kg, lifting 26c/kg, with a 100% clearance. Meanwhile, Steers 280–330kg averaged 512 c/kg, back 27 c/kg, with clearance at 41%, indicating buyers were more selective through the midweight steer run.
Heifers experienced a similar result to the steers, with the lighter end improving while mid and heavier weights eased. Heifers under 200kg averaged 447c/kg, lifting 85c/kg, with clearance at 54%, marking one of the strongest price improvements of the week. Meanwhile, heavier heifers weighing 400kg+ averaged 440c/kg, down 5c/kg, though clearance was firmer at 83%, suggesting fewer, better-suited lines sold well.
Processors accounted for 8% of all purchases made.
AuctionsPlus commercial cattle supply has picked up for the second week of the year, with 10,857 head offered, up 119% week-on-week.
The larger offering created more buying opportunities across regions and categories, and while clearance softened, the market continued to show encouraging underlying demand for well-presented young cattle.
The AuctionsPlus Young Cattle Indicator (AYCI) closed at 961c/kg, back 15c/kg week-on-week. Despite the slight easing, the AYCI remains historically strong, sitting in the top 25% of all weeks. Buyer confidence remained evident through improved bidding above reserve, with VOR rising to $91/head, up $3 on the week.
Positive price momentum was still evident across key young cattle categories, led by 280–330kg steers, which averaged $1,630/head, lifting $102 week-on-week.
In the heifer market, those weighing 200–280kg averaged $1,246/head, while 280–330kg heifers averaged $1,341/head, up $42 from last week. Heavier heifers continued to strengthen, with 330–400kg heifers averaging $1,691/head, and 400kg+ heifers rising to $1,891/head, highlighting solid buyer support for well-finished females suited to both feeding and breeding programs.
From Tenterfield, NSW, a line of 108 Angus steers aged 9 to 11 months old and weighing 300kg returned $1,810/head, or 604c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Pullenvale, QLD.
From Warren, NSW, a line of 71 Angus steers aged 4 to 6 months old and weighing 194kg returned $1,170/head, or 602c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Tara, QLD.
The first full selling week of 2026 has begun much as 2025 ended, with tight supply, selective buying and resilient young cattle prices. A total of 4,895 head were listed for the week ending Friday, January 9. Clearance finished at 60%, which is broadly consistent with late-December results and reflective of cautious early-season buyer behaviour.
Steer supply was led by heavier lines, with steers over 400kg accounting for more than 1,000 head and clearing 59%, averaging 505c/kg. Steers weighing between 330–400kg averaged 533c/kg, while lighter steers between 200–280kg were keenly sought, achieving a 100% clearance and averaging 561c/kg, highlighting ongoing competition for well-bred young cattle suitable for backgrounding. Heifer trends were similar, with lighter weight categories showing improved buyer interest and firmer pricing compared to heavier types.
Breeding stock numbers remained limited, particularly in cows and calves, with clearance varying widely by category. PTIC cows averaged $2,759/head with modest clearance, while PTIC heifers averaged $2,765/head, reflecting selective demand rather than broad-based competition.
The AuctionsPlus Young Cattle Indicator (AYCI) lifted to 987c/kg DW, finishing in the top quartile of historical performance. This improvement reinforces the underlying strength in young cattle values despite lower clearance rates and subdued volumes, suggesting that price resilience remains a feature of the market. Value Over Reserve (VOR) averaged $111/head, indicating that when cattle did sell, they often exceeded vendor expectations.
From Wingen, NSW, a line of 24 Angus steers aged 4 to 5 months old and weighing 181kg returned $1,180/head, or 654c/kg and will travel to a buyer in New England, NSW.
From Glen Innes, NSW, a line of 58 Angus steers aged 9 to 11 months old and weighing 228kg returned $1,355/head, or 595c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Millmerran, QLD.
From Guluguba, QLD, a line of 39 Angus/Droughtmaster steers aged 8 to 10 months old and weighing 261kg returned $1,450/head, or 555c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Maclagan, QLD.
Alex McLaughlin: Feb 20, 2026
It’s that time of the week when we check in on some key indicators of performance in the livestock markets.
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