Saleyard cattle indicators have been resilient in the face of unseasonable numbers coming out of the North. Despite shutdowns, a lack of rain in the last few weeks and tariff talk.
Queensland saleyards are ‘chock a block’, and buyers of all types are present and active. Weaners continue to make their way to the yards in numbers, and swiftly back onto trucks for the journey south. July throughput is 14% higher than last year (with effectively a week to go) but the numbers aren’t really overwhelming the trade currently. No doubt lower throughput in the south YoY is helping.
Indicators for the most part were flat to slightly lower at a national level, with Heavy Steers the only indicator to see double digit decline, (-18¢ to 441¢/kg lwt). The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) was steady at 1004¢/kg cwt. Slaughter levels remain in a narrow range, and the level of throughput is keeping processors busy in Winter. Weekly supply was down marginally this week to the yards but didn’t really sway the market in either direction.
The world cups over and the focus in the US has shifted back to trade, with a fresh batch of tariff announcements being made this week. Australia will receive 12.5% tariff into the US, but from initial information it appears beef will remain exempt. Canada was also given a 50% tariff on a number of goods, and it isn’t yet clear if Canadian beef and cattle are exempt. Initial reactions suggest this could be good news for Australian beef exporters, as Canada and the US are heavily reliant on each other when it comes to beef and cattle trade.
On Mecardo this week, Angus Brown took a look at traditional supply and slaughter patterns over winter and how this year looks more like the winters of the past (read more here). Slaughter and prices are still strong at the same time, which is quite unusual and growing lot feeding capacity has evened out some of the volatility in supply but we are seeing a drop in numbers out of the south more in line with typical winter markets.
Next week
The Grain market could bolt here with both global conflicts ramping up. Expensive feeders are more palatable when feed is (relatively) cheap, margins can tighten up quickly if we see a leap in feed costs.
There were just minor changes to the national saleyard indicators this week as public holidays interfered with business-as-usual sales. The big drop in numbers and
Australian cattle slaughter is expected to hit its highest level since 1978 in 2026, having already hit that mark for the 2025-26 financial year. Female
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) released their Australian Cattle Industry Projections last week, and like any forecasts, they can become out of date relatively quickly.
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Prices resilient despite chock a block yards
Next week
The Grain market could bolt here with both global conflicts ramping up. Expensive feeders are more palatable when feed is (relatively) cheap, margins can tighten up quickly if we see a leap in feed costs.
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Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
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Northern rain and the cost of freight
The forecast is looking promising for vast parts of Queensland and Northern NSW for the coming week. If you are looking for rain, of course.
Rain and holidays halt young cattle slide
There were just minor changes to the national saleyard indicators this week as public holidays interfered with business-as-usual sales. The big drop in numbers and
Queensland supply surge now shot?
Australian cattle slaughter is expected to hit its highest level since 1978 in 2026, having already hit that mark for the 2025-26 financial year. Female
Projecting the herd to decline
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) released their Australian Cattle Industry Projections last week, and like any forecasts, they can become out of date relatively quickly.
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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.