CATTLE
With a total of 12,387 head offered, AuctionsPlus cattle offerings were back 3 per cent last week, with significant price declines across the young steer lines and proven breeders.
Prices across heavier steer and heifer categories eased considerably while clearance rates also reflected a cautious market.
Steers 200-280kg averaged $107 lower, at $1550, with a 58pc clearance rate for the 1546 head offered.
From Muttaburra, a line of 136 Santa Gertrudis/Brahman steers weighing 208kg lwt returned $1390/head, sold to a buyer from Ashbourne, SA.
It was harder going for the 280-330kg steer lines, averaging $1630/head, down $170. Declines got larger with the weight categories, with 330-400kg steers back $208, averaging $1847/head, with the 20pc clearance rate for the 1016 head clearly demonstrating the hesitancy within the market at the moment.
From Boondooma, a line of Angus/Charbray steers weighing 354kg lwt, aged seven to nine months, returned $1900/head.
The young heifer market was mixed, with some price rises through the mid-weights, as 200-280kg lines averaged $49 lower, at $1352/head.
From Wallumbilla North, a line of 20 Droughtmaster heifers aged eight to 10 months weighing 279kg lwt returned $1900/head.
Heifers 280-330kg showed the strongest result, with a 67pc clearance rate for the 815 head offered. Prices lifted $140, to average $1751/head.
Heifers 330-400kg jumped $351/head, with some excellent quality lines boosting the average, given the 42pc clearance rate for the limited 594 head offered.
PTIC heifers averageding $424 lower, at $2080/head. With 2401 PTIC heifers offered, the clearance rate was 31pc, while the 1417 PTIC cows registered a 24pc clearance rate.
SHEEP
AuctionsPlus sheep and lamb offerings increased 14pc last week, to 44,314 head.
Crossbred lambs had the largest lamb offering for the week, with 4394 head. Prices averaged $15 lower on the previous week, at $124/head, ranging from $96-152/head.
Merino wether lambs sold to steady interest, with the 3771 head reaching a 59pc clearance rate. Prices slipped $11 lower, to average $101/head, ranging from $66-135/head.
Quality lines of first-cross ewe lambs saw prices rise $106, averaging $262/head, with the 1672 head offering achieving a 62pc clearance rate.
Scanned in-lamb Merino ewes, with 9072 head offered, averaged $8 higher, at $193 head.
There was a large supply of SM shedding breed ewes offered, with the 5179 head averaging $240/head and reaching a 94pcclearance rate.
Merino wethers found steady buyer interest, with the 2110 head offered reaching a 91pc clearance rate. Ranging from $118-$125, prices averaged $122.
