For the heaver steer lines, prices and clearance rates were also higher than in previous weeks, with the 1,275 head of 330-400kg steers averaging $90 higher, at $2,257/head.
From Goondiwindi Queensland, a line of 6-8-month-old Poll Hereford/Angus steers (pictured) weighing 365kgs lwt returned $2,280/head, or 625c/kg lwt.
In contrast to the lighter categories, feeder steer numbers remained tight, which helped prices, with the 542 head selling to an 80% clearance rate – averaging $156 dearer, at $2,661/head.
Scarcity continues to be the driving force behind the young cattle market, even with several very large physical weaner sales also occurring last week.
The 200-280kg steers averaged $36 higher, at $1,828/head, with a 64% clearance rate for the 2,748 head offered. A line of 86 Angus steers, aged 8-9 months from Macarthur Victoria, weighing 210kg lwt, returned $1,900/head, or 902c/kg.
There was a similar clearance rate for the 280-330kg category, with the 2,343 head offered registering 65% clearance rate – averaging $89 higher on last week, at $2,038/head.
From Euroa Victoria, a line of 108 Angus steers aged 6-8 months, averaging 321kgs liveweight, returned $2,330/head, or 727c/kg.
For the young heifer portion of the market, prices slipped for the lightest and heaviest lines, while substantial rises were registered through the mid-weights. 200-280kg heifers, with 1,792 head offered, sold to a 60% clearance rate, with the average for the week hitting $1,775/head – up by $221 and erasing all of last week’s decline.
The 330-400kg heifers averaged $128 higher on last week, averaging $2,185/head for the 540 head offered. A line of 87 Droughtmaster heifers from Aramac Queensland, weighing 360kg liveweight, returned $1,820/head, or 505c/kg. The heifers ranged in age from 18-24 months and will travel to Lockington, Victoria.
The largest PTIC heifer offering in several weeks was greeted with some cautious buying, but with quality and bloodlines again being rewarded – as prices averaged $247 higher, at $2,960 head.
With a 48% clearance rate for the 3,200 head offered, it was largely a return to normal prices for the PTIC heifer market, following last week’s holiday inspired volatility.
Two even lines of Angus PTIC heifers, totaling 80 head from Nundle, NSW, returned $3,120/head. Aged between 20-22 months and weighing an average of 469kg lwt, the heifers will travel to Dulacca, Queensland.
PTIC cow numbers jumped by almost 1,000 head on last week, with a very competitive 80% clearance rate. Prices for the week averaged $41 higher, averaging $2,992/head. A line of 102 Santa Gertrudis PTIC cows from Mundubbera, Queensland, ranging in age from 2-8 years and averaging 541kg lwt returned $2,350/head – secured by a buyer in Dunedoo, NSW.
-AuctionsPlus