Weekly Cattle Comments - 14.04.23

Compared to the slow return of sheep and lamb auctions this week, the commercial cattle sales roared back into action with 17,197 head offered on AuctionsPlus this week. The largest weekly listing of 2023 was met with robust demand as value over reserve increased to $135 and clearance rate jumped to 63%. While higher US import prices and improved trade relations with China are cause for optimism, the impact of rain cannot be underestimated. Producer confidence has made a quick U-turn since February and March, causing prices to bounce back. 

Improved prices have caught the attention of producers that have been holding onto market-ready stock. Listings increased across the board, which would normally put pressure on prices. However, most prices increased this week due to rain closing the gap to a solid Autumn break. A lower proportion of light heifers were offered compared to steers as they continue to be retained for breeding purposes.. 

Table 1: AuctionsPlus National Weekly Cattle Prices
Table 2: AuctionsPlus Queensland Cattle Prices
Table 3: AuctionsPlus Angus Cattle Prices

Steers

Steers weighing 200-280kg registered 2,581 head and averaged $1,220/head – up $79 on last week for an 89% clearance rate. Per kilogram prices ranged from 402-573c and averaged 489c/kg lwt. From Tambo, Western Queensland, a line of 166 Brangus steers aged 5-10 months old and weighing 242kg returned $1,280/head, or 529c/kg lwt.

Steers weighing 330-400kg registered 1,612 head and averaged $1,497/head – down $64 from last week’s high average due to low numbers, while clearance rate reached 77%. From Lucindale, SA, a line of 90 Hereford steers aged 9-11 months old and weighing 366kg returned $1,620/head or 442c/kg lwt. The same vendor offered 11 other lots to a total of 898 Angus/Hereford and pure Hereford steers of various weights which returned similar prices.

Heifers

Heifers weighing 200-280kg registered 914 head and averaged $984/head – up $67 on last week for a 56% clearance rate. Per kilogram prices ranged from 292-440c and averaged 408c/kg lwt. From Rolleston, Central Queensland, a line of 120 Santa Gertrudis heifers aged 8-12 months old and weighing 245kg lwt returned $1,050/head, or 428c/kg lwt.

Heifers weighing 330-400kg registered 1,236 head and averaged $1,456/head for a 76% clearance rate. Per kilogram prices ranged from 304-494c and averaged 405c/kg lwt. From Bingara, NSW, three lines of a total 116 Angus heifers aged 17-20 months old and weighing 359kg returned $1,750-$1,770/head, or 490c/kg lwt.

Breeding Stock

PTIC heifers registered 1,556 head and averaged $1,666/head – down $79 from last week for a 33% clearance rate. From Ben Lomond, NSW, a line of 52 Angus PTIC heifers aged 18-20 months old and weighing 397kg returned $2,060/head.

PTIC cows registered 1,439 head and averaged $1,898/head – up $244 on last week for a 58% clearance rate. From Glen Innes, NSW, seven lines of a total 188 Angus PTIC cows aged 5-8 years old and weighing 506kg returned $2,035/head.

Note: Prices as at 2pm Friday, 14^th April 2023

Table 1: AuctionsPlus National Cattle Prices

Table 2: AuctionsPlus Queensland Cattle Prices

Table 3: AuctionsPlus Angus Cattle Prices