Livestock online sales remain strong
With coronavirus restrictions still in place, online cattle sales remain a popular option for those looking to buy livestock.
ONLINE livestock sales maintained strong price trends last month as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
AuctionsPlus had 356,433 sheep and lambs online, an extra 35,517 compared to May.
The cattle market saw a reduction in numbers offered online, with 72,289 listed, about 26,000 less than May.
For both sheep and cattle, restocker action across the east coast of Australia was the key factor driving both demand and prices.
AuctionsPlus market operation Holly Baker said June was “a big month” for the online platform, with prices for cattle maintaining momentum. “The end of June saw the sheep market slip back, and the same in the first few weeks of July, not just online but in saleyards as well,” Ms Baker said.
“Whereas with cattle we saw a strong market trend. Most stock categories remained firm or increased. It was a very positive month in terms of numbers, and it’s looking strong heading into winter.”
Producers from southern Queensland offered 14,872 cattle via AuctionsPlus last month, accounting for 21 per cent of the catalogue. Southern Queensland also purchased about 19 per cent of all cattle sold, equalling 11,480 cattle.
Prices for weaner steers averaged 487c/kg, while weaner heifers sold to an average of 460c/kg.
FarmGATE online auctions also had a strong month of sales. Highlights from June include: A pen of Angus weaner steers returning 481c/kg or $780; a pen of Angus weaner heifers sold for 427c/kg or $795; a pen of black baldy heifers pregnancy tested in calf for 474c/kg or $1800; Angus weaner steers returning 462c/kg or $995.
Ms Baker said a combination of restocker demand following healthy rainfall and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact prices.
“For a lot of people, once the virus hit the world, they realised the importance of food security,” Ms Baker said.
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