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Restockers and rainfall drive AuctionsPlus cattle prices
11 February 2021
Key points:
- Producers are taking advantage of high prices, with the AuctionsPlus Store Sale experiencing an increase in cattle being offered
- Weaners and productive cows continue to be in high demand fetching high prices
- Cows over 550kg recorded the top price per/head for the day, at $3,820.
The National AuctionsPlus Cattle Store sale on Friday 5 February recorded positive results, with increased yardings on week-ago levels as producers looked to take advantage of strong prices. The prices themselves have been driven by recent rainfall across eastern states’ cattle-producing regions, as well as by limited supply.
Restocker demand for cattle continues to dominate price movements, demonstrated by light weaner heifers recording the highest ¢/kg price for the sale, at 915¢/kg. The demand for young cattle was reinforced by high weaner clearance rates, with 92% of all weaners offered at the sale being sold.
The AuctionsPlus prices for weaner steers, which averaged 568¢/kg in the 280kg category at the sale, demonstrates that producers are hungry for young cattle to put weight on and their preparedness to pay for quality stock.
As producers prepare to rebuild, it is evident that buyers value heifers as the optimal long-term solution to increasing their herds, both as calves and weaners. Limited availability of these sought-after categories continue to underpin high prices.
Highlights of the sale include:
- 13,180 head offered
- Light weaner heifers made the top ¢/kg prices of the sale, selling to 915¢/kg.
- Heavy cows received the highest price at $3,820 per head.
© Meat & Livestock Australia Limited, 2021
