Weekly Cattle Comments - 27.01.23

For the final cattle sale of January, AuctionsPlus cattle listings remained firm on last week, reaching a total of 12,289 head. While listings rose 1% on last week compared to the same week in 2022, the volume of cattle listed online is sitting 32% lower. Looking forward into February and March, a larger influx of cattle is expected to hit the market, where prices will be tested as selective buying continues to drive price corrections.

The offering was largely dominated by PTIC heifers and heavy steers this week. Prices continued to show a see-saw trend across the market, however considerable price rises in PTIC heifer and cow categories were a prevalent trend, while clearance rates remain indicative of cautious buying. Prices for both 330-400kg steer and heifer categories were steady and reflected the broader national market trend as the EYCI displayed relative price stability across the week. Clearance rates for the week averaged 43% following the immediate conclusion of the auctions- dipping slightly from last week.

Table 1: AuctionsPlus National Weekly Cattle Prices

Table 2: AuctionsPlus Queensland Cattle Prices

Table 3: AuctionsPlus Angus Cattle Prices

Across the steer categories this week, the largest offering was for the 330-400kg lines, with the 1,103 head offered selling to a 60% clearance rate- averaging $1,645/head- holding steady with last weeks’ result. A line of 70 Angus steers from Ournie, NSW aged 10-11-months and weighing 340kg lwt returned $1,710/head.

Feeder steer demand dipped again this week with the 955 head offered across the 400kg+ category selling to a 22% clearance. Ranging in value from $1,390-$2,100/head the category averaged at $1,914/head or 399c/kg lwt- a $50/head rise on last week. Met with cautious buying, coming days will see post sale negotiations play a key role in securing sales for the heavier offering. From New Norfolk, Tasmania a line of 64 Angus steers aged 29-31 months and tipping the scales at 592kg lwt returned $2,100/head.

Looking to the lighter categories, steers weighing between 200-280kg registered a $58 contraction on last week’s average, reaching $1,339/head. Clearance rates for the category kicked higher this week to 86% across the 479 head offered. A run of 76 8-14-month-old Droughtmaster steers from Condamine, Queensland weighing 268kg lwt returned $1,600/head.

Across the 280-330kg category the offering of 620 head was met with similar demand, reaching an 89% clearance. Prices for the category dropped $33 on last week to average $1,486/head. From Bethanga, Victoria a line of 8-11-month-old Angus steers weighing 325kg lwt returned $1,580/head.

Heifer numbers registered a decline in listings this week, with offerings in the 200-280kg and 280-330kg categories declining by 14%. 330-400kg heifers registered the largest offering across the young females this week, with the 1,017 head averaging $1,487/head- back $15 on last week. Clearance rates for the category reached 52%- rising from the 27% achieved at the conclusion of last weeks’ sale. From Woodhouse, Victoria a line of Charolais/Angus heifers aged 9-10 months and weighing 348kg lwt returned $1,560/head.

Heavy heifers weighing over 400kg registered a 2% rise in listings this week to total 470 head offered. Prices kicked $41 higher to average $1,746/head with a top of $2,010/head, as the category returned a clearance of 37%.

Heifers weighing 200-280kg averaged $1,134/head this week, as prices contracted by $188 from last week. The offering of 656 head sold to a 48% clearance – back from the 77% achieved in last weeks sale. A line of 11-14-month-old Angus heifers from Texas, Queensland weighing 254kg lwt returned $1,320/head.

A total of 510 head were offered in the 280-330kg category which sold to a cheaper trend this week. Prices dipped back by $229 to average $1,408/head, as clearance rates reached 62%.. From Molong, NSW a line of 33 Angus heifers aged 7-9-months, weighing 321kg lwt returned $1,630/head. Another highlight includes a large run of 102 Angus heifers weighing 294kg lwt from Williamstown, SA aged 8-10-months which returned $1,460/head and will travel to a buyer in NSW.

PTIC heifers accounted for 24% of the total cattle offering this week, with 2,903 head. Selective buying remained a prominent trend across all breeder cattle categories, with PTIC heifers selling to a 22% clearance. Prices for the category highlighted buyers searching for quality bred cattle as the average rose $316 on last week to $2,672. From Cooma, NSW two lines totaling 31 head of Angus heifers aged 27-29 months, weighing 663kg lwt returned $3,360 and $3,340/head to a buyer in Casino, NSW.

PTIC cows followed a similar trend to their younger counterparts as the offering of 1,576 head kicked $292 higher to average $2,483/head. Clearance rates reached 56% for the category- up from 48% following last weeks sale. From Gowangardie, Victoria a line of 22 Angus PTIC cows aged 5.8-5.9 years weighing 810kg lwt returned $3,640/head and will travel to a buyer in Albury, NSW.

A line of 20-22-month-old station mated Angus heifers with calves at foot from Armidale, NSW returned $3,300/head. Selling for $900 above reserve the heifers weigh an average of 447kg lwt and will travel to a buyer in Goulburn, NSW.

Note: Prices as at 2pm Friday, 27^th January 2022

Table 1: AuctionsPlus National Cattle Prices

Table 2: AuctionsPlus Queensland Cattle Prices

Table 3: AuctionsPlus Angus Cattle Prices