Cattle yardings jumped significantly this week across all categories on the back of positive price signals, but demand held up, with most indicators climbing higher still. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator reached its highest year-on-year premium for 2025 so far, while restocker yearling heifers are now 60¢/kg more than they were four weeks ago.
There were 77,023 head yarded nationally this week, with all major categories increasing in numbers, but feeder steers and processor cows seeing the biggest jump. It was the largest yarding in a month, and the first time in three weeks the number climbed back above the rolling average, as well as being nearly 21% above year-ago levels. The rise was across all states, but Victorian yards had the largest increase of 79%. On the back of a fortnight of below-average yardings, last week’s slaughter figures were about 4% lower than the previous week, but still 4% above the same week last year. The weekly female slaughter rate was right down to 43%.
The National Processor Cow Indicator dropped by less than 3¢/kg to 395¢/kg, sitting at close to 50% above the year-ago and 10-year-average values. Numbers through this indicator lifted by more than 3500 for the week, with NSW having about 40% of the throughput and averaging 398¢/kg, led by Wagga Wagga, NSW, at 414¢/kg. The US 90CL imported beef price continues to climb, reaching a new high of US345.50c/lb last week, as domestically the American price for 90CL trades at 18% above year-ago levels. AuctionsPlus reported non-station-mated cows and calves lifted $710/head to average $2950 last week, while their young cattle indicator climbed 35¢/kg carcase weight to 986¢/kg.
This price push was supported by increased processor activity online, with their Weaner and Yearling Sale achieving a 90% clearance. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator also jumped 35¢/kg for the week, to trade at 899¢/kg, with Wagga Wagga again leading the prices at a 960¢/kg average. Lotfeeders were the buying cohort, taking nearly 50% of all EYCI-eligible cattle this week, with Roma Store, Queensland, having the biggest yarding and reporting feeders topping the market in most yearling categories. The national restocker yearling steer price was subsequently pushed higher, up nearly 22¢/kg for the week, to 506¢/kg. It also meant processors had to meet the market, and heavy steers weren’t left behind, increasing 15¢/kg to 457¢/kg, now sitting within 10¢/kg of a record.
Next week
The late spring rainfall seems to be just what the cattle market ordered, as all three buying sectors have had to up the ante this week to secure the stock they are after. Supply also appears plentiful still, as the good season in Queensland and now much of NSW allows producers to cash in. If yardings increase further next week it could halt further rises, but there appears to be little significant downward pressure to come between now and Christmas.
A historically high cattle market has pushed cattle-on-feed numbers lower for the September quarter. Confidence in the sector has far from waned, however, with capacity,
National cattle yardings jumped 13% week-on-week, unsurprisingly putting downward pressure on prices, but the market still showed a level of resilience considering the increase in
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Buyers face off as market climb continues
There were 77,023 head yarded nationally this week, with all major categories increasing in numbers, but feeder steers and processor cows seeing the biggest jump. It was the largest yarding in a month, and the first time in three weeks the number climbed back above the rolling average, as well as being nearly 21% above year-ago levels. The rise was across all states, but Victorian yards had the largest increase of 79%. On the back of a fortnight of below-average yardings, last week’s slaughter figures were about 4% lower than the previous week, but still 4% above the same week last year. The weekly female slaughter rate was right down to 43%.
The National Processor Cow Indicator dropped by less than 3¢/kg to 395¢/kg, sitting at close to 50% above the year-ago and 10-year-average values. Numbers through this indicator lifted by more than 3500 for the week, with NSW having about 40% of the throughput and averaging 398¢/kg, led by Wagga Wagga, NSW, at 414¢/kg. The US 90CL imported beef price continues to climb, reaching a new high of US345.50c/lb last week, as domestically the American price for 90CL trades at 18% above year-ago levels. AuctionsPlus reported non-station-mated cows and calves lifted $710/head to average $2950 last week, while their young cattle indicator climbed 35¢/kg carcase weight to 986¢/kg.
This price push was supported by increased processor activity online, with their Weaner and Yearling Sale achieving a 90% clearance. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator also jumped 35¢/kg for the week, to trade at 899¢/kg, with Wagga Wagga again leading the prices at a 960¢/kg average. Lotfeeders were the buying cohort, taking nearly 50% of all EYCI-eligible cattle this week, with Roma Store, Queensland, having the biggest yarding and reporting feeders topping the market in most yearling categories. The national restocker yearling steer price was subsequently pushed higher, up nearly 22¢/kg for the week, to 506¢/kg. It also meant processors had to meet the market, and heavy steers weren’t left behind, increasing 15¢/kg to 457¢/kg, now sitting within 10¢/kg of a record.
Next week
The late spring rainfall seems to be just what the cattle market ordered, as all three buying sectors have had to up the ante this week to secure the stock they are after. Supply also appears plentiful still, as the good season in Queensland and now much of NSW allows producers to cash in. If yardings increase further next week it could halt further rises, but there appears to be little significant downward pressure to come between now and Christmas.
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Data sources:Mecardo; Meat and Livestock Australia; AuctionsPlus
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Have any questions or comments?
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Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published
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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.
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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.