Supply was looking for shade as temperatures skyrocketed and saleyards shut the gate. Despite the lull in numbers, buyers were similarly backing off.
The heat was brutal, with maximum temperatures across NSW and Western Victoria approaching 45 to 50 degrees Celsius, severely impacting the level of throughput this week across the east coast. Indicative NLIS throughput for the week is 43,663 head, a 46% decline week on week, as saleyards cancelled sales and producers held back.
Considering the challenges of quota announcements and strength in the Aussie dollar providing some headwinds, processor demand to start the season remains healthy. Last week’s 143K head slaughter matched the weekly average for 2025.
National indicators all averaged modest declines week on week, with finished stock the most insulated from indifferent buyer interest. Heavy steers were down 1 cent week on week, processor cows down 6 cents week on week and feeder steers down 7 cents per kilogram week on week, despite lower supply, all finished the week slightly lower. Restocker interest, given the conditions, lifted their feet off the gas, as restocker heifers lost 13 cents week on week and restocker steers lost 22 cents per kilogram.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) lost 22 cents per kilogram cwt to 841 cents per kilogram cwt, while the Western Young Cattle Indicator (WYCI) improved 8 cents to 805 cents per kilogram cwt.
A lot of focus in market discussion has been placed on the potential impact of Brazilian beef. There are expectations of more intense competition given the quota restraints in China, pushing both Australian and Brazilian volumes into other markets for the upcoming season. As discussed on Mecardo this week by Jamie Lee Oldfield (read more here), there will definitely be an impact of increased competition, but Brazilian beef has headwinds of its own aswell, with production forecast 5% lower this year.
Next week
No doubt there will be producers throughout NSW in the next few weeks who will be keen to move on from stock as temperatures brutalise pasture.
Supply was looking for shade as temperatures skyrocketed and saleyards shut the gate. Despite the lull in numbers, buyers were similarly backing off. The heat
Australia sent more beef offshore in 2025 than any other year on record, demonstrating considerable resilience against ever-variable seasonal conditions across the country. There were
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Buyers cool off as temperatures soar
The heat was brutal, with maximum temperatures across NSW and Western Victoria approaching 45 to 50 degrees Celsius, severely impacting the level of throughput this week across the east coast. Indicative NLIS throughput for the week is 43,663 head, a 46% decline week on week, as saleyards cancelled sales and producers held back.
Considering the challenges of quota announcements and strength in the Aussie dollar providing some headwinds, processor demand to start the season remains healthy. Last week’s 143K head slaughter matched the weekly average for 2025.
National indicators all averaged modest declines week on week, with finished stock the most insulated from indifferent buyer interest. Heavy steers were down 1 cent week on week, processor cows down 6 cents week on week and feeder steers down 7 cents per kilogram week on week, despite lower supply, all finished the week slightly lower. Restocker interest, given the conditions, lifted their feet off the gas, as restocker heifers lost 13 cents week on week and restocker steers lost 22 cents per kilogram.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) lost 22 cents per kilogram cwt to 841 cents per kilogram cwt, while the Western Young Cattle Indicator (WYCI) improved 8 cents to 805 cents per kilogram cwt.
A lot of focus in market discussion has been placed on the potential impact of Brazilian beef. There are expectations of more intense competition given the quota restraints in China, pushing both Australian and Brazilian volumes into other markets for the upcoming season. As discussed on Mecardo this week by Jamie Lee Oldfield (read more here), there will definitely be an impact of increased competition, but Brazilian beef has headwinds of its own aswell, with production forecast 5% lower this year.
Next week
No doubt there will be producers throughout NSW in the next few weeks who will be keen to move on from stock as temperatures brutalise pasture.
Have any questions or comments?
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Data sources: Mecardo; Meat and Livestock Australia
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Buyers want beef not cattle
The cattle market was mixed this week as a cooler change (and no public holiday) saw numbers flood back to saleyards. National indicators show that
Beef outlook strong, cattle another question
A quick review of data coming out of the US comes with the conclusion that extreme global beef demand isn’t going anywhere for some time.
Buyers cool off as temperatures soar
Supply was looking for shade as temperatures skyrocketed and saleyards shut the gate. Despite the lull in numbers, buyers were similarly backing off. The heat
A big year for Aussie beef
Australia sent more beef offshore in 2025 than any other year on record, demonstrating considerable resilience against ever-variable seasonal conditions across the country. There were
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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.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team of market analysts are recognised as leaders in Australian Ag market analysis, providing invaluable insights to help you navigate the ever-changing commodity landscape.
SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES STATEMENT BROCHURE
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.