From Walcha, NSW, these 96 Angus steers 12-14 months averaging 357kg returned 569c/kg on Friday, and will travel to a buyer near Ebor, NSW.

CATTLE listings on AuctionsPlus lifted to 12,525 head this week, representing a nine percent increase from last week.

Despite the higher supply, market confidence held steady, with solid bidding activity across key categories and several breeding lines posting strong price gains.

All but the heaviest feeder steer category showed improved prices in c/kg terms, while heifers were mostly cheaper in value, while clearance dropped to 57pc.

Regionally, the east coast remained the hub of purchasing activity. New South Wales was the most active buying state with 3400 head purchased, driven by strong restocker activity from the Northern Tablelands and Riverina. Queensland purchases eased to just shy of 2000 head, reflecting selective buying amid improving feed conditions.

Among the steer offering, entries 330–400kg attracted 1175 head, clearing 56pc, with prices 7c better averaging 500c/kg, reflecting improved restocker interest.

Feeder weight steers +400kg lost 28c/kg to average 467c/kg, following this week’s broader market trend, clearing only 49pc of the 1188 head offering as buyers showed some price resistance at the upper end of the market.

Lighter steers 280-330kg improved 3c to average 519c/kg, clearing 86pc of the offering of 863 head.

Steer highlights included a line of 112 Angus steers 6-7 months averaging 249kg from Padthaway, SA, returned 611c/kg. Another slightly lighter offering of 112 similar steers 239kg were passed in for 498c.

A line of  83 Angus steers 10-12 months averaging 283kg from Ournie, VIC returning 598c/kg. From Walcha, NSW, 96 Angus steers 12-14 months averaging 357kg returned 569c/kg and will travel to a buyer near Ebor, NSW.

In the heifer offering, some substantial price falls were seen in lighter and mediumweight categories. Light heifers less than 200kg averaged 359c/kg, down 34c, clearing 89pc of a small offering of 140 head.

Heifers 330-400kg yarded 2137 head, clearing 57pc, with prices back 9c/kg to average 440c, while +400kg dfescriptions yarded 501 head, clearing 53pc, with prices 5c better averaging 453c. The adjustment in heifer pricing reflects a mild recalibration following several weeks of strong demand rather than a downturn in sentiment.

Breeding females

Breeding females produced some gains this week, supported by consistent restocker demand and positive seasonal sentiment in the southern states.

A small offering of 324 PTIC heifers were the standout, rising by $831 to average $2971, but clearing on 21pc. PTIC Cows followed a similar trend, increasing by $325 to average $2258, from a small offering of 216 head, clearing 28pc.

Losing ground were NSM heifers and calves, which lost $323 to average $2400, while SM heifers and calves lost $443 on average to average $2412.

Source: AuctionsPlus