The return to operation for QLD saleyards, lack of rain on the forecast and the looming run of public holidays saw more cattle pass through the yards compared to last week. The increase in supply weighed negatively on prices, although demand appeared to have lifted, with supply increases far higher than value decreases.
The EYCI was flat week on week from a value point of view, closing the selling week at 701¢/kg. Supply for the indicator jumped by 61% to a total of 16.6k head. Top volume contributing saleyards included Wagga, Dalby, and Roma, Dalby had a 116% increase in yardings week on week because of clearer weather conditions. All 3 market reports mention full turnout at the buying field and strong competition.
Processor Cow indicators suffered the largest loss in value for the week losing 7% and dipping below the $3/kg mark to 298¢/kg. There was a 41% bounce in yardings with lifts across the board for the majority of the saleyards. CTLX Carcoar topped the contribution, with 38% of the total yarding being made up with cows.
The Western Young Cattle indicator had a 10% lift in value off the back of a 54% increase in volume, pointing to strong demand as the rise in supply would have applied downwards pressure on prices. This is the first time since June 2023 the WYCI has traded above the 650¢/kg mark. The rise in value has closed the west discount to the EYCI from 12% last week to just 3%. Mount Barker lead the charge, it was the last sale for April due to public holiday closures, as a result the buyer field was full and active driving prices higher.
Restocker Heifers and Steers had a large jump in yardings with many producers deciding to enter the market due to a relatively clear rainfall forecast and disruptions to sales. Heifers yardings over doubled, up 114% week on week whilst the value of the indicator slid 2% to finish at 320¢/kg. Restocker steers experienced a 96% lift in volume and was able to hold its value with no change week on week to 394¢/kg.
Initial yardings data from the NRLS shows an increase in yardings of 10% to a total throughput of 69.6k head. Queensland yardings surged 117% following some disruptions from flooding and the cancellation of sales. This level of yardings is in line with the same selling week last year, but a 66% increase for the 5-year average.
Slaughter for the week prior was down 3% nationally for the week before that. The drop was due to reductions in QLD and Vic with decreases in total slaughter for the state of 4% and 3% respectively. For the same week last year, this was a 45% uplift, although the Easter holidays would’ve caused shutdowns last year.
Next week
A disrupted selling week with the Good Friday public holiday causing some sales not to operate will see yardings fall. There is a lack of rainfall on the forecast which will put pressure on feed supplies, especially if producers are holding out for an Autumn break.
Since widespread autumn rain failed to eventuate in southern Australia, a north-south differential has been evident in the drivers of the cattle market. It comes
There was very little movement in the cattle market this week, with winter weather now impacting the quality of stock available. This saw processors shift
The world’s demand for protein has not waned this year despite plenty of global unrest. Australian beef exports have reached new highs across the board
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Moovement at the Yards
The EYCI was flat week on week from a value point of view, closing the selling week at 701¢/kg. Supply for the indicator jumped by 61% to a total of 16.6k head. Top volume contributing saleyards included Wagga, Dalby, and Roma, Dalby had a 116% increase in yardings week on week because of clearer weather conditions. All 3 market reports mention full turnout at the buying field and strong competition.
Processor Cow indicators suffered the largest loss in value for the week losing 7% and dipping below the $3/kg mark to 298¢/kg. There was a 41% bounce in yardings with lifts across the board for the majority of the saleyards. CTLX Carcoar topped the contribution, with 38% of the total yarding being made up with cows.
The Western Young Cattle indicator had a 10% lift in value off the back of a 54% increase in volume, pointing to strong demand as the rise in supply would have applied downwards pressure on prices. This is the first time since June 2023 the WYCI has traded above the 650¢/kg mark. The rise in value has closed the west discount to the EYCI from 12% last week to just 3%. Mount Barker lead the charge, it was the last sale for April due to public holiday closures, as a result the buyer field was full and active driving prices higher.
Restocker Heifers and Steers had a large jump in yardings with many producers deciding to enter the market due to a relatively clear rainfall forecast and disruptions to sales. Heifers yardings over doubled, up 114% week on week whilst the value of the indicator slid 2% to finish at 320¢/kg. Restocker steers experienced a 96% lift in volume and was able to hold its value with no change week on week to 394¢/kg.
Initial yardings data from the NRLS shows an increase in yardings of 10% to a total throughput of 69.6k head. Queensland yardings surged 117% following some disruptions from flooding and the cancellation of sales. This level of yardings is in line with the same selling week last year, but a 66% increase for the 5-year average.
Slaughter for the week prior was down 3% nationally for the week before that. The drop was due to reductions in QLD and Vic with decreases in total slaughter for the state of 4% and 3% respectively. For the same week last year, this was a 45% uplift, although the Easter holidays would’ve caused shutdowns last year.
Next week
A disrupted selling week with the Good Friday public holiday causing some sales not to operate will see yardings fall. There is a lack of rainfall on the forecast which will put pressure on feed supplies, especially if producers are holding out for an Autumn break.
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Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: MLA, , Mecardo
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Have any questions or comments?
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NSW yards overflow as Queensland’s dry up
Since widespread autumn rain failed to eventuate in southern Australia, a north-south differential has been evident in the drivers of the cattle market. It comes
Winter chill weighs on cattle weights
There was very little movement in the cattle market this week, with winter weather now impacting the quality of stock available. This saw processors shift
Export records fall as demand beefs up
The world’s demand for protein has not waned this year despite plenty of global unrest. Australian beef exports have reached new highs across the board
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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.