The #AngusPremium in action

At the end of May AuctionsPlus released breed breakdowns for the period of 1 January to 14 May 2021 with a comparison across the corresponding periods in 2019 and 2020 across eight breeds of cattle.

This report showed that Angus cattle were easily the largest breed offered on AuctionsPlus for the period with the 25,562 head offered for PTIC heifers the single largest category.

Source: AuctionsPlus

Young steers, 200-280kg liveweight, averaged $1,551/ head, which was up 22% on the corresponding period in 2020 and 120% from the drought lows of 2019. Similarly, heifers of the same weight range averaged $1,437/head in 2021, up 40% and 143% on 2020 and 2019, respectively. Interestingly, the numbers of steers and heifers offered online for both categories were higher in 2019, compared to 2021, indicating the magnitude of the sell-off of drought impacted weaners through 2019 - even with an overall doubling of total numbers offered through AuctionsPlus by 2021. PTIC heifers for January – May 2021 averaged $2,485/head – up 40% on the same period in 2020 and 106% on 2019. With 8,376 Angus cows with CAF offered through January – May 2021, prices averaged $3,337/unit, an increase of 53% on 2020 and 141% from the depth of the 2019 drought. Similarly, PTIC cows, with 8,553 head offered so far in 2021, averaged $2,481/head – up 32% on 2020 and 126% from 2019. Compared to Angus PTIC heifers in 2021, this was only $4 cheaper, while in 2020, the average PTIC Cow was $111/head higher.

In the breed

Matt Dalgleish, Thomas Elder Markets

The Thomas Elder Markets team was able to use the data from AuctionsPlus to create some breed indicator prices and compare spreads across a selection of cattle breed types. Firstly, we created a weighted average (based on sales volumes) dollar per head price for each breed, using all listed cattle categories, which combined prices for steers, heifers, cows and cows with a calf at foot. The result of the indicative breed price shows that in 2021 the Angus cattle performed best on a weighted average price basis via the Auctions Plus platform achieving a dollar per head price of $2130 across all cattle types. Applying some price/volume filters to the data the TEM team also compared prices for steers and heifers, weighing between 200 to 330 kg live-weight. Angus steers topped the category too, fetching an average per head price of $1623. Heifer prices were a little less varied with most categories fetching between $1323 to $1392. Angus heifers were again the standout, topping the group at $1504.

A: 99 PTIC Angus heifers, 16-26 months, Offered by Tooloombilla Partnership, Mitchell Qld made $2,760/head. AuctionsPlus 21/05/21, B: $1,515 or 817.6c/kg for 69 Angus steers 185.3kg, offered by WL Grieve. AuctionsPlus 11/6/21, C: $3380 for 9 PTIC Angus heifers, offered by Glenruben Angus WOOMARGAMA, NSW, AuctionsPlus 15/01/21. Image: AuctionsPlus, D: Bridgewater Group Holdings Pty Limited sold 52 Angus Verified steers, 260.5kg av for 644.9c/kg or $1,680. AuctionsPlus 30/04/21, E: 675.4c/kg or $1,700 for 60 Angus Verified Steers, 255kg offered by Bridgewater Group Holdings Pty Limited on AuctionsPlus 28/5/21

Source: Thomas Elder Markets In order to compare cattle breeds for steers and heifers between all other breed types a simple price spread premium/discount matrix was created. Displayed below are the matrix tables. Reading left to right for each breed along the rows highlights the relevant spread premium or discount achieved so far during 2021. For example, Angus steers are holding a 32% premium spread to Brahman steers and a 5% premium to Hereford steers. On average, across all breed types Angus steers have achieved a 14% premium. Similarly, Angus heifers have achieved a 45% premium spread to Brahman heifers and a 5% premium to Brangus heifers. Across all other breed types Angus heifers have achieved an average premium spread of 15%.

· Weighted average price indicators show that Angus cattle have achieved the highest price across breeds with a $2130 per head price across all cattle categories. · On average, across all breed types, Angus steers have achieved a 14% premium spread for the 2021 season. · Across all other breed types Angus heifers have achieved an average premium spread of 15%.

A C D

B E