The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator jumped significantly this week, up nearly 5% to 969¢/kg and is now sitting at its highest level since 2022, which not coincidentally was the last time autumn rain was as substantial and widespread as this year. The Roma store sale in Queensland had nearly a quarter of the throughput but still averaged well above the indicator at 993¢/kg, with the National Livestock Reporting Service quoting restocker competition from the local area as well as Western Queensland and Northern NSW. EYCI eligible cattle were above $10/kg in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Cow prices also increased, climbing 26¢/kg for the week to be 40% higher year-on-year. Australia’s beef exports in May were the highest for the year so far, with volumes to the US up about 20% for the year-to-date compared to 2025. Beef to China is now up 30%, supporting predictions of the quota being filled sooner rather than later and Australian beef that would usually be headed there having to find a different market.
Last week’s cattle slaughter fell 2% from the previous week but was still 8% higher year-on-year, and at its third-highest weekly total so far this year. Female cattle made up close to 50% of the kill. Yardings this week fell 6%, putting them 13% lower than the same week last year and below MLA’s three-year rolling average. Those figures show that March and April were the two largest yarding months for the past three years, while May dropped back to below year-ago levels.
All other major national indicators rose 20-27¢/kg, with the exception of heavy steers which lost 5¢/kg. It was also the only indicator to increase in throughput, albeit only slightly at less than 200 head more going through the yards. Restocker steers experienced the largest rise and now sits at the biggest year-on-year premium, 142¢/kg ahead of where it was the same time last year.
Demand swings back towards the sellers favour
Next week
There’s little likely to dampen the positive sentiment in the next week, especially if there is some good grass growing weather post rain. Of course, we’ve learnt of late that the global dynamic rarely stays consistent, and proposed new tariffs from Trump and the filling of our China beef quota could have an impact given historically high slaughter.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Winter supply remains strong
High prices have cattle heading to the market as supply remains strong for winter. Prices eased slightly but remain elevated. Numbers, quality and weights remain
Brazil beefs up US market share
The global beef market discussion was focussed primarily on the United States for much of the past few years – until China made headlines with
Yardings down since May but year-to-date still higher
The cattle market was a bit of a mixed bag this week, with national indicators headed in both directions, but the take home seems to
China quota showing up in the data
Recent rain which has sent young cattle markets into overdrive have overshadowed some of the developing headwinds, especially for finished cattle. The latest beef export
Want market insights delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up to the mailing list to get regular updates to new analysis and market outlooks
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.