Modest improvements for heavier types and lower demand for lighter cattle prevailed this week as the trade begins to idle in the depths of winter.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) finished the week 7¢ lower to 700¢/kg cwt. Restocker demand eased in terms of volume, with those in the market opting to chase heavier, higher-quality yearlings, leaving the tail end of stock discounted at the yards. This weighed on the indicator this week, with restocker steers easing 8¢ to 384¢/kg lwt (a 2% WoW decline) and restocker heifers tracking sideways, up 2¢ to 320¢/kg lwt.
7% uptick in cattle yardings week on week to 73.7k head in line with expectations after the previous week’s public holiday. Supply pressure wasn’t a major factor in terms of market results when looking through MLA saleyard reports. Not all export buyers were active in Wagga, taking some of the steam out of the market. The largest yarding in 40 years, with “outstanding quality” in Moss Vale, was met with keen demand, and the presence of southern processors supported the market in Dalby
2 months post tariff, and it appears from the data that the US is still full steam ahead on Aussie beef. This week on Mecardo, Jamie-Lee Oldfield looked into the US supply situation. Compared to two years ago, cow slaughter is 30% lower, and the feeder cattle index is 24% higher YoY, which indicates that the US will continue to struggle with lower volumes and higher costs for their own domestic beef production (Read more here).
Processing sector demand is still contributing to price improvement at the yards. Heavy Steers (ready for processing) improved 10¢ to 372¢/kg lwt (its highest point since April) and processor cows also improved 10¢ to 282¢/kg lwt.
The week ahead….
After the chaos of May, the cattle trade is now back to a divergence where different buyers are focussed on different types of cattle. This is allowing buyers to buy in a narrower range.
Lower supply next week will indicate whether this will continue to be the case or if restockers are concerned about the upcoming availability of heavy yearlings.
Much like many paddocks across Australia after recent rains, the national cattle indicators are a sea of green. All categories rose from the previous week
Prices tracked sideways as the trade waits in anticipation of some rainfall to reach the dry southern cattle regions. Indicative NLRS yardings early Friday has
Final quarter livestock slaughter and production data is now available for 2025, offering insight to the October to December period, and the annual figures. The
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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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Idling for now
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) finished the week 7¢ lower to 700¢/kg cwt. Restocker demand eased in terms of volume, with those in the market opting to chase heavier, higher-quality yearlings, leaving the tail end of stock discounted at the yards. This weighed on the indicator this week, with restocker steers easing 8¢ to 384¢/kg lwt (a 2% WoW decline) and restocker heifers tracking sideways, up 2¢ to 320¢/kg lwt.
7% uptick in cattle yardings week on week to 73.7k head in line with expectations after the previous week’s public holiday. Supply pressure wasn’t a major factor in terms of market results when looking through MLA saleyard reports. Not all export buyers were active in Wagga, taking some of the steam out of the market. The largest yarding in 40 years, with “outstanding quality” in Moss Vale, was met with keen demand, and the presence of southern processors supported the market in Dalby
2 months post tariff, and it appears from the data that the US is still full steam ahead on Aussie beef. This week on Mecardo, Jamie-Lee Oldfield looked into the US supply situation. Compared to two years ago, cow slaughter is 30% lower, and the feeder cattle index is 24% higher YoY, which indicates that the US will continue to struggle with lower volumes and higher costs for their own domestic beef production (Read more here).
Processing sector demand is still contributing to price improvement at the yards. Heavy Steers (ready for processing) improved 10¢ to 372¢/kg lwt (its highest point since April) and processor cows also improved 10¢ to 282¢/kg lwt.
The week ahead….
After the chaos of May, the cattle trade is now back to a divergence where different buyers are focussed on different types of cattle. This is allowing buyers to buy in a narrower range.
Lower supply next week will indicate whether this will continue to be the case or if restockers are concerned about the upcoming availability of heavy yearlings.
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Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
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Prices tracked sideways as the trade waits in anticipation of some rainfall to reach the dry southern cattle regions. Indicative NLRS yardings early Friday has
Sustained slaughter for strong beef sector
Final quarter livestock slaughter and production data is now available for 2025, offering insight to the October to December period, and the annual figures. The
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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.