The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator has reached its highest figure in 2025 so far this week, just shy of 900¢/kg. In fact, it is the highest the indicator has been since 2022 and is now averaging 717¢/kg for the year – again, the strongest level since 2022. This comes as Meat & Livestock’s latest industry projections forecast total cattle slaughter in 2025 to rise by more than 8%, which would be more than 35% higher than in 2022.
Weekly throughput for the EYCI has been trending at roughly the same level, between 19,000 and 20,000 head for the past month, showing stable supply. The price gauge has gained about 44¢/kg in that same period and is trading at 228¢/kg higher year-on-year. It closed this week at 898¢/kg, driven 4¢/kg stronger solely by NSW yards, which averaged 920¢/kg. However, this premium hasn’t been increasing at the same rate as the total average, with the NSW EYCI only gaining 17¢/kg in the past four weeks. Roma, Queensland’s store sale again made up nearly a quarter of the throughput and averaged 886¢/kg.
The National Young Cattle Indicator, reported in carcase weight rather than live like the EYCI, finished today at 471¢/kg, also rising about 4¢/kg for the week. The NYCI sits just 20¢/kg higher than a month ago, and 120¢/kg stronger year-on-year. Nearly 45% of throughput this week came from online sales, with Queensland averaging 465¢/kg and NSW 501¢/kg. Interestingly, this put NSW online sales at a higher average than all but one physical yard (Moss Vale, with 6% of the state’s NYCI throughput compared to 52% online), while Queensland online was more than 10¢/kg lower than the Roma store sale average (45% and 26% NYCI throughput for the state, respectively).
The cattle market performed fully firm to slightly stronger across the board this week, with most indicators reaching their strongest levels so far this year. Restocker yearling steers were the only major category to lose ground, closing 2¢/kg lower than the previous week. Feeder steers showed the most upward momentum, closing 15¢/kg higher at 488¢/kg, with heavy steers not far behind, finishing the week at 434¢/kg. Yardings increased by 5000 head week-on-week to rise back above 65,000 head and MLA’s rolling average. Last week’s slaughter was stable on the week prior and 11% higher year-on-year.
Next week
Once again, we wait for the weather. With processing prices and demand from feedlots continuing to firm up as numbers of feed, slaughter figures, and export volumes all sit in historically high territory, it will come down to spring rainfall to see how much further the market will fire.
ABARES released their March 2026 Agricultural Commodities Report last week and have revised most major figures higher for the current financial year. Gross value of
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
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NSW competition boosts young cattle price
Weekly throughput for the EYCI has been trending at roughly the same level, between 19,000 and 20,000 head for the past month, showing stable supply. The price gauge has gained about 44¢/kg in that same period and is trading at 228¢/kg higher year-on-year. It closed this week at 898¢/kg, driven 4¢/kg stronger solely by NSW yards, which averaged 920¢/kg. However, this premium hasn’t been increasing at the same rate as the total average, with the NSW EYCI only gaining 17¢/kg in the past four weeks. Roma, Queensland’s store sale again made up nearly a quarter of the throughput and averaged 886¢/kg.
The National Young Cattle Indicator, reported in carcase weight rather than live like the EYCI, finished today at 471¢/kg, also rising about 4¢/kg for the week. The NYCI sits just 20¢/kg higher than a month ago, and 120¢/kg stronger year-on-year. Nearly 45% of throughput this week came from online sales, with Queensland averaging 465¢/kg and NSW 501¢/kg. Interestingly, this put NSW online sales at a higher average than all but one physical yard (Moss Vale, with 6% of the state’s NYCI throughput compared to 52% online), while Queensland online was more than 10¢/kg lower than the Roma store sale average (45% and 26% NYCI throughput for the state, respectively).
The cattle market performed fully firm to slightly stronger across the board this week, with most indicators reaching their strongest levels so far this year. Restocker yearling steers were the only major category to lose ground, closing 2¢/kg lower than the previous week. Feeder steers showed the most upward momentum, closing 15¢/kg higher at 488¢/kg, with heavy steers not far behind, finishing the week at 434¢/kg. Yardings increased by 5000 head week-on-week to rise back above 65,000 head and MLA’s rolling average. Last week’s slaughter was stable on the week prior and 11% higher year-on-year.
Next week
Once again, we wait for the weather. With processing prices and demand from feedlots continuing to firm up as numbers of feed, slaughter figures, and export volumes all sit in historically high territory, it will come down to spring rainfall to see how much further the market will fire.
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Data sources: Mecardo; Meat and Livestock Australia; Argus Meat and Livestock
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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
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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
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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.