All eyes are on beef this week with over 100,000 people descending on Rockhampton for the triennial Beef Week. Buyers leaned into the momentum with multiple reports from major saleyards talking to increased activity and competition, which helped support prices. Supply was down on the week prior, but still above the average.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator was flat week on week closing
at 605 c/kg. Headcount for the indicator was down 17% (3k head) to a total of
14.3k head. Roma, Dalby, and Wagga were the top three largest contributors regarding
volume, and each of the three sale yards averaged within 2c/kg of the
indicator. All 3 saleyard reports talk to a full level of participation from a
full field of buyers.
Restocker Heifers closed the week at 257 c/kg a rise of 5%
(12 c/kg). The price rise was supply-driven as yardings for the indicator fell
by 49%. The male counterparts were flat week on week finishing where it started
at 330 c/kg, its yardings fell by 42%. The heifers closed the price discount to
the steers this week from 26% to 22% off the back of the price rise.
The Heavy Steer Indicator rose 5% (15 c/kg) to end the week
at 307 c/kg, back above the 300c/kg mark as well as being the only indicator to
be at a higher price than this time last year. Compared to this time last year
the price for the indicator is up 2% and the supply for the indicator is up
46%.
Australian beef exports continue to operate at high levels
compared to last year with the total volume up 46% for April compared to April
2023. The United States continue to demand more of Australian beef with the Steiner
Consulting Group reporting that the volume to the United States has increased
by 117% for the month of April year on year.
Initial yardings data from the NRLS for the week show that
volume was back on the week prior by 15%. Yardings for the year have been at
elevated levels and whilst this is continuing, they are beginning to return
closer to the 5-year average. Slaughter
levels for the week prior are also still operating at above average levels,
with the total number of east coast slaughter for the week before totalling
134.2k head.
The week ahead….
Producers will be hoping the demand from buyers continues into next week as we approach winter. Supply also seems to be slowing slightly from recent highs, which should also contribute to supporting prices especially if the forecasted rain by the BOM does eventuate.
As seen this week when supply tightens at the yards, young cattle prices spike upward in the current climate. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator improved
The cattle lotfeeding sector has been experiencing huge growth over the last few years. The September quarter saw growth in cattle on feed (COF) numbers
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In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making.
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Beef 2024 excitement spills over into bidding
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator was flat week on week closing at 605 c/kg. Headcount for the indicator was down 17% (3k head) to a total of 14.3k head. Roma, Dalby, and Wagga were the top three largest contributors regarding volume, and each of the three sale yards averaged within 2c/kg of the indicator. All 3 saleyard reports talk to a full level of participation from a full field of buyers.
Restocker Heifers closed the week at 257 c/kg a rise of 5% (12 c/kg). The price rise was supply-driven as yardings for the indicator fell by 49%. The male counterparts were flat week on week finishing where it started at 330 c/kg, its yardings fell by 42%. The heifers closed the price discount to the steers this week from 26% to 22% off the back of the price rise.
The Heavy Steer Indicator rose 5% (15 c/kg) to end the week at 307 c/kg, back above the 300c/kg mark as well as being the only indicator to be at a higher price than this time last year. Compared to this time last year the price for the indicator is up 2% and the supply for the indicator is up 46%.
Australian beef exports continue to operate at high levels compared to last year with the total volume up 46% for April compared to April 2023. The United States continue to demand more of Australian beef with the Steiner Consulting Group reporting that the volume to the United States has increased by 117% for the month of April year on year.
Initial yardings data from the NRLS for the week show that volume was back on the week prior by 15%. Yardings for the year have been at elevated levels and whilst this is continuing, they are beginning to return closer to the 5-year average. Slaughter levels for the week prior are also still operating at above average levels, with the total number of east coast slaughter for the week before totalling 134.2k head.
The week ahead….
Producers will be hoping the demand from buyers continues into next week as we approach winter. Supply also seems to be slowing slightly from recent highs, which should also contribute to supporting prices especially if the forecasted rain by the BOM does eventuate.
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Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
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Northern restocker conquest pushes heifers higher
As seen this week when supply tightens at the yards, young cattle prices spike upward in the current climate. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator improved
Lotfeeders making hay
The cattle lotfeeding sector has been experiencing huge growth over the last few years. The September quarter saw growth in cattle on feed (COF) numbers
Market moves focus as we wait for the weather
With substantial rainfall on the radar and the holiday season right around the corner, the focus of the cattle market has swung away from finished
Big turnoff not a turnoff for beef
The latest data release from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on livestock products has shown that our beef cattle herd is well and truly into
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Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published
Listen to the podcast
Join the Mecardo team for the Commodity Conversations podcast, where we provide short weekly market recaps and longer conversations with guests to discuss the drivers and trends in livestock, grain and fibre markets.
Research: Analysis of the Australian sheep flock
In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making.
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We don’t just bring you the most up to date market insights. Find out more about Mecardo’s services including risk management advisory, modelling, benchmarking, research & consultancy.