It has been another strong week for the cattle market, with all categories on the rise, with the exception of processor cows, which held steady. Restocker indicators achieved the most significant increases, despite being the only type to record higher yarding numbers, albeit only marginally so. The market looks to be keeping plenty of confidence, despite continued strong slaughter, as producers wait to see what spring will bring.
When it came to young cattle in the east, the north south supply divide continued to play out in throughput numbers, with Roma and Dalby, Queensland, and Gunnedah in northern NSW making up just shy of 50% of the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator eligible stock. But it was further south in NSW that supported the price. The EYCI ended the week at 872¢/kg, averaging 920¢/kg or higher in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, and Carcoar. The EYCI has now been trading above the five-year average for four weeks, the first time it has done so since 2022, currently sitting at 7% higher.
The national processor cow price has held fairly firm, losing less than 1¢/kg for the week, but is now 20¢/kg lower than where it started in August. That said, it is still 26¢/kg stronger than it was four weeks ago and remains 23% above both last year’s levels and the five-year average. Again, we have to go back to 2022 to find prices in the range they are now. Interestingly enough, despite strong export demand coming primarily from the US, the cow price still sits at the lowest premium to year-ago levels of all the major indicators.
Agurs Meat and Livestock reported strong demand coming from lotfeeders in all eastern states as well as South Australia, as the national Feeder Steer Indicator rose to 466¢/kg, a climb of 40¢/kg in the past month. Aside from processor cows, feeder steers had the highest saleyard throughput of the week. Telling of the demand was the feeder heifer price, which rose by more than 10¢/kg to 424¢/kg.
Next week
There is plenty of attention on cow prices at the moment, with the newly introduced US tariff on Brazilian beef coinciding with record import demand from the US. Australian beef exports are already running at historic highs, underpinned by strong supply as the elevated female slaughter rate signals ongoing destocking. The key question now is how much capacity Australia has to fill part of the Brazilian void in the US market, and what processors will be prepared to pay come spring if restockers return in force.
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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Market maintains upward momentum
When it came to young cattle in the east, the north south supply divide continued to play out in throughput numbers, with Roma and Dalby, Queensland, and Gunnedah in northern NSW making up just shy of 50% of the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator eligible stock. But it was further south in NSW that supported the price. The EYCI ended the week at 872¢/kg, averaging 920¢/kg or higher in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, and Carcoar. The EYCI has now been trading above the five-year average for four weeks, the first time it has done so since 2022, currently sitting at 7% higher.
The national processor cow price has held fairly firm, losing less than 1¢/kg for the week, but is now 20¢/kg lower than where it started in August. That said, it is still 26¢/kg stronger than it was four weeks ago and remains 23% above both last year’s levels and the five-year average. Again, we have to go back to 2022 to find prices in the range they are now. Interestingly enough, despite strong export demand coming primarily from the US, the cow price still sits at the lowest premium to year-ago levels of all the major indicators.
Agurs Meat and Livestock reported strong demand coming from lotfeeders in all eastern states as well as South Australia, as the national Feeder Steer Indicator rose to 466¢/kg, a climb of 40¢/kg in the past month. Aside from processor cows, feeder steers had the highest saleyard throughput of the week. Telling of the demand was the feeder heifer price, which rose by more than 10¢/kg to 424¢/kg.
Next week
There is plenty of attention on cow prices at the moment, with the newly introduced US tariff on Brazilian beef coinciding with record import demand from the US. Australian beef exports are already running at historic highs, underpinned by strong supply as the elevated female slaughter rate signals ongoing destocking. The key question now is how much capacity Australia has to fill part of the Brazilian void in the US market, and what processors will be prepared to pay come spring if restockers return in force.
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Data sources: Mecardo; Meat and Livestock Australia; Argus Meat and Livestock
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Water adds confidence to cattle
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
The rise of grain fed cattle continues
There is plenty going on in the world and locally which could move cattle markets. Ever rising tensions in the Middle East will have impacts
Market steady as the south patiently waits it’s turn for a drink
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.
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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.