Among larger steer lines offered this week, 541 Droughtmaster and Droughtmaster cross backgrounder steers from Muttaburra, North Queensland, sold in five lots in store condition from 257kg to 269kg at 7-18 months, making from 442c/kg to 537c/kg,

THE online cattle market strengthened this week, with Elders’ and Nutrien’s AuctionsPlus platform offerings lifting to 15,331 head, up 17pc on last week, with clearance down 4pc to 82pc.

Lighter steers lost ground in terms of c/kg price, while medium and heavier weights generally improved, with the exception of heavy feeders +400kg which lost 8c to average 514c, with the offering of 1477 head clearing 85pc.

A big offering of 1959 steers 200-280kg lost 5c/kg to average 563c, clearing 88pc, while the best performed steer division was 280-330kg steers, where an offering of 1771 head cleared 90pc to average 561c, up 36c on the previous week.

A line of 126 Angus steers 10-12 months averaging 250kg from Tooma, VIC, returned 681c/kg.

Among larger steer lines offered this week, 541 Droughtmaster and Droughtmaster cross backgrounder steers from Muttaburra, North Queensland, sold in five lots in store condition from 257kg to 269kg at 7-18 months, made from 442c/kg to 537c/kg, with a further 119 Angus x Ultrablack backgrounder steers from the same vendor 256kg made 542c/kg.

Lighter heifer divisions lifted in c/kg price this week, with an offering of 1440 heifers 200-280kg lifting 44c to average 509c, clearing 78pc.

From Cavendish, VIC, 83 Angus heifers 11-12 months averaging 175kg returned 680c/kg and will travel to a buyer in Apsley, VIC.

Larger heifer lines included 119 Angus NSM future breeders 262kg at 8-10 months from Glenmorgan, southern Queensland, making 516c/kg, with 75 steer brothers averaging 262kg making 668c/kg.

Breeding females

Among breeding females, SM Cows lifted sharply, rising $537 to average $2670, supported by a full clearance. SM heifers also tracked higher, increasing $382 to $1890, while NSM heifers and calves gained $116 to $3149, underpinned by an 82pc clearance.

Seventy five Angus steers 8-10 months averaging 262kg from Glenmorgan, QLD returned $1750/head and will travel to a buyer in Molong, NSW.

Purchasing activity was again widely spread, underscoring the depth of national demand. New South Wales remained the largest buying state, securing 6100 head, up 5pc on last week.

Queensland also strengthened to finish at 3360, an increase of 7pc. Victoria recorded one of the strongest improvements, a 70pc rise week on week. South Australia also expanded its presence significantly, securing 1145 head.

Source: AuctionsPlus