All categories on the downward trend in cattle markets

 

Heifers-WestmarBoosted by some larger offerings out of northern Queensland and WA, the supply of young heifers increased 97% last week, to 6,257 head – the main contributor to the larger weekly total.

This is the second week in four where the market has experienced a big surge in young, unjoined females, albeit, assisted by proactive and motivated vendors.

The 200-280kg category averaged $65 lower on last week, at $1,398/head – with the 3,926 head offered reaching an 88% clearance rate.

The 660 Brahman heifers out of Chillagoe, North Queensland, sold between $1,310-1,330/head.

It was primarily a cheaper steer market this week, with some considerable declines through the lightest two categories – even with strong clearance rates of 89% and 91%, respectively.

The largest category, 200-280kg steers averaged $116 cheaper, at $1,464/head, while the 330-400kg segment went against the trend, averaging $30 higher, at $2,009/head.

For the proven breeding lines, PTIC heifer numbers were back slightly on last week, at 1,462 head – averaging up $21, to $2,436/head for the week.

An indicative result for the week saw 39 PTIC Angus heifers, out of Guyra NSW, averaging 389.2kg liveweight and ranging between 21-23 months of age, sell to $2,750/head – equating to 1,458.9c/kg cwt.

Similarly, 45 PTIC Angus heifers out of St George, Queensland, averaging 431kg liveweight, sold to $2,830/head.

-AuctionsPlus