Ex-tropical cyclone Alfred has contributed to significant disruption throughout the cattle supply chain, as processors, saleyards and producers were all impacted. Consequently, this week saw a significant decrease in yardings, applying positive pressure on prices.
Initial yardings data from the NLRS show a reduction of 42% week-on-week, down to 44k head. Yardings fell for every single indicator reported by the MLA. The cyclone, combined with the public holiday in Victoria and Tasmania, saw some sales not take place.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator climbed 3% to close the selling week at 665¢/kg, with yardings falling by 34%. Roma, Wagga, and Dubbo were the top three largest contributors to the indicator for the week, accounting for over half the volume. Their saleyard reports speak to strong demand with the return of some buyers following absences.
The Processor Cow Indicator gained 2%, with yardings dropping by half from the volume seen last week. Mount Gambier had the highest average sell price for the week, selling at a 9% premium to the indicator. Its saleyard report highlighted very tight supply causing more competition amongst buyers.
Slaughter for the week prior was down by 9.3% as a result of precautionary shutdowns ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s arrival. Queensland volume was back by 18% compared to the week before. Despite this large reduction week-on-week, compared to the same week over the last five years, it still represented an increase of 18% on the average.
The week ahead….
Some rain is forecast for the majority of the nation, especially along the east coast. This may continue to see lower volumes as producers wait another week to assess their feed supply outlooks. Closed processing plants in Queensland will be back online, supporting demand.
There were just minor changes to the national saleyard indicators this week as public holidays interfered with business-as-usual sales. The big drop in numbers and
Australian cattle slaughter is expected to hit its highest level since 1978 in 2026, having already hit that mark for the 2025-26 financial year. Female
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) released their Australian Cattle Industry Projections last week, and like any forecasts, they can become out of date relatively quickly.
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Cyclone disruption halts supply
Initial yardings data from the NLRS show a reduction of 42% week-on-week, down to 44k head. Yardings fell for every single indicator reported by the MLA. The cyclone, combined with the public holiday in Victoria and Tasmania, saw some sales not take place.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator climbed 3% to close the selling week at 665¢/kg, with yardings falling by 34%. Roma, Wagga, and Dubbo were the top three largest contributors to the indicator for the week, accounting for over half the volume. Their saleyard reports speak to strong demand with the return of some buyers following absences.
The Processor Cow Indicator gained 2%, with yardings dropping by half from the volume seen last week. Mount Gambier had the highest average sell price for the week, selling at a 9% premium to the indicator. Its saleyard report highlighted very tight supply causing more competition amongst buyers.
Slaughter for the week prior was down by 9.3% as a result of precautionary shutdowns ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s arrival. Queensland volume was back by 18% compared to the week before. Despite this large reduction week-on-week, compared to the same week over the last five years, it still represented an increase of 18% on the average.
The week ahead….
Some rain is forecast for the majority of the nation, especially along the east coast. This may continue to see lower volumes as producers wait another week to assess their feed supply outlooks. Closed processing plants in Queensland will be back online, supporting demand.
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Data sources: Mecardo, MLA, BOM
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Have any questions or comments?
Northern rain and the cost of freight
The forecast is looking promising for vast parts of Queensland and Northern NSW for the coming week. If you are looking for rain, of course.
Rain and holidays halt young cattle slide
There were just minor changes to the national saleyard indicators this week as public holidays interfered with business-as-usual sales. The big drop in numbers and
Queensland supply surge now shot?
Australian cattle slaughter is expected to hit its highest level since 1978 in 2026, having already hit that mark for the 2025-26 financial year. Female
Projecting the herd to decline
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) released their Australian Cattle Industry Projections last week, and like any forecasts, they can become out of date relatively quickly.
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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.
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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.