Confidence and enthusiasm at the yards remains strong as cattle markets continue to defy spring slumps. Heavy cattle remain in relative abundance and feedlot buyers across the east coast continue to chase stock to bring onto feed in a competitive market as buyers begin to travel further to access cattle.
Indicative NLRS yardings had throughput at 86.5k head this week, which was 2% higher than last week. While not the biggest yarding this year, the flush of numbers is 54% higher than the five year average for this time of year. Plenty of stock on hand makes the prices we are seeing at this time of year even more incredible. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, EYCI, improved 9¢ to 907¢/kg cwt.
All saleyard indicators improved this week, but the rises were more modest than in previous weeks. Feeders were best on ground, improving 11¢ to 492¢/kg lwt. A 9% week on week decrease in processor cow numbers that qualified for the indicator, but neither decline nor improvement in price/kg, shows that we are probably approaching the ceiling of willingness to pay for cull cows. Slaughter volumes show us that volume is still in heavy demand, but export pricing jumping higher would be the best case scenario moving forward.
The US retraction of reciprocal tariffs was motivated by rising retail beef costs in the United States, but it is unlikely they are out of the woods yet. With heavy steer and processor cow prices continuing to push the envelope for this time of year here in Australia, processors and exporters will be keen to push for higher returns from buyers. With Brazil tariffs on beef to the US still sitting at 66%, moving away from reliance on Australian beef will be difficult. Who will blink first?
Next week
Slaughter remains at the tippy top of current capacity and will remain strong as we approach Christmas. Securing good quality yearlings for the upcoming season will remain on restocker agendas. Heifers still have some ground to gain on steers back to feedlots and the paddock, which could see crafty buying if numbers don’t remain at these highs.
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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Cattle market keeps on trucking
Indicative NLRS yardings had throughput at 86.5k head this week, which was 2% higher than last week. While not the biggest yarding this year, the flush of numbers is 54% higher than the five year average for this time of year. Plenty of stock on hand makes the prices we are seeing at this time of year even more incredible. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, EYCI, improved 9¢ to 907¢/kg cwt.
All saleyard indicators improved this week, but the rises were more modest than in previous weeks. Feeders were best on ground, improving 11¢ to 492¢/kg lwt. A 9% week on week decrease in processor cow numbers that qualified for the indicator, but neither decline nor improvement in price/kg, shows that we are probably approaching the ceiling of willingness to pay for cull cows. Slaughter volumes show us that volume is still in heavy demand, but export pricing jumping higher would be the best case scenario moving forward.
The US retraction of reciprocal tariffs was motivated by rising retail beef costs in the United States, but it is unlikely they are out of the woods yet. With heavy steer and processor cow prices continuing to push the envelope for this time of year here in Australia, processors and exporters will be keen to push for higher returns from buyers. With Brazil tariffs on beef to the US still sitting at 66%, moving away from reliance on Australian beef will be difficult. Who will blink first?
Next week
Slaughter remains at the tippy top of current capacity and will remain strong as we approach Christmas. Securing good quality yearlings for the upcoming season will remain on restocker agendas. Heifers still have some ground to gain on steers back to feedlots and the paddock, which could see crafty buying if numbers don’t remain at these highs.
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Data sources: Mecardo; Meat and Livestock Australia; AuctionsPlus
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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.