The cattle market held steady this week, with no significant changes in the status quo. Yardings fell slightly to the lowest they’ve been in five weeks but remained above the average for this year so far. While industry sentiment remains strong, the market might be waiting on more rain on the south to steam ahead any further this spring.
Despite yarding nearly 3000 head less, the restocker yearling steer indicator came under the most pressure nationally this week, falling by 17c/kg to 462c/kg. This was likely down to more than 40% of the eligible stock coming out of the Roma store sale in Queensland, which averaged 459c/kg. Average weights were lower week-on-week for all categories of restocker steers at Roma, with the National Livestock Reporting Service quoting backgrounders as being more selective in their buying.
All other major national indicators remained within 5c/kg of where they were last week. Feeder steers increased by 2.5c/kg to 477c/kg, but remains about 10c/kg below where it peaked at a month ago. Feeder heifers fell about the same amount, to land at 428c/kg. Heavy steers lifted to 345c/kg, within a whisker of record highs. Supply is still pushing processors in this category, with Queensland again offering over half the eligible stock, while less than 200 head were sold in Victoria. Dubbo, NSW, was a standout, with 24% of the offering and averaging 485c/kg.
Last weeks slaughter slipped slightly, just hitting 143,000, and while it was the lowest numbers since mid-August, it still sits well clear of year-ago levels. Processor cow prices dipped by 5c/kg to 375c/kg, 35% stronger year-on-year, and 46% above the 10-year-average for the indicator. Export demand from the US continues to support the cow job, plus reports are processors are filling their floors with cows where heavy young cattle aren’t available.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator continued to fall, likely on the back of the season being still in question in the south, closing the week at 871c/kg. Wagga Wagga, NSW, only had 7% of the throughput, but averaged 100c/kg better than the EYCI. Online, which is reported in liveweight, young cattle also lost ground, but less so, only dipping 5c/kg to 495c/kg. In the West young cattle landed at 809c/kg, down 11c/kg for the week.
The week ahead….
Finished cattle prices should be well supported in the short term, with export volumes expected to remain in record territory and demand from the US not slowing anytime soon. The restocker market, however, might need more moisture in the south to kick further – and if it doesn’t come, we could see much of the recent gains lost.
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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Processors push on, restockers wait for rain
Despite yarding nearly 3000 head less, the restocker yearling steer indicator came under the most pressure nationally this week, falling by 17c/kg to 462c/kg. This was likely down to more than 40% of the eligible stock coming out of the Roma store sale in Queensland, which averaged 459c/kg. Average weights were lower week-on-week for all categories of restocker steers at Roma, with the National Livestock Reporting Service quoting backgrounders as being more selective in their buying.
All other major national indicators remained within 5c/kg of where they were last week. Feeder steers increased by 2.5c/kg to 477c/kg, but remains about 10c/kg below where it peaked at a month ago. Feeder heifers fell about the same amount, to land at 428c/kg. Heavy steers lifted to 345c/kg, within a whisker of record highs. Supply is still pushing processors in this category, with Queensland again offering over half the eligible stock, while less than 200 head were sold in Victoria. Dubbo, NSW, was a standout, with 24% of the offering and averaging 485c/kg.
Last weeks slaughter slipped slightly, just hitting 143,000, and while it was the lowest numbers since mid-August, it still sits well clear of year-ago levels. Processor cow prices dipped by 5c/kg to 375c/kg, 35% stronger year-on-year, and 46% above the 10-year-average for the indicator. Export demand from the US continues to support the cow job, plus reports are processors are filling their floors with cows where heavy young cattle aren’t available.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator continued to fall, likely on the back of the season being still in question in the south, closing the week at 871c/kg. Wagga Wagga, NSW, only had 7% of the throughput, but averaged 100c/kg better than the EYCI. Online, which is reported in liveweight, young cattle also lost ground, but less so, only dipping 5c/kg to 495c/kg. In the West young cattle landed at 809c/kg, down 11c/kg for the week.
The week ahead….
Finished cattle prices should be well supported in the short term, with export volumes expected to remain in record territory and demand from the US not slowing anytime soon. The restocker market, however, might need more moisture in the south to kick further – and if it doesn’t come, we could see much of the recent gains lost.
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Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
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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.