Cattle
prices continue to hover around the recent highs as buyers continue to queue up
for cattle making their way to the yards.
Easing supply and improved quality of the cattle available at the yards
helped to insulate the market from price declines this week.
Indicators
traded within a narrow range this week, ranging from 8¢ declines (restocker
steers at 477¢/kg lwt) to 11¢ gains (processor cows). The Eastern Young Cattle
Indicator (EYCI) lost 1¢ to 896¢/kg cwt. The Western Young Cattle Indicator
(WYCI) jumped 26¢ to 789¢/kg cwt.
Supply
through the yards was 1% lower week on week, with the decline in numbers driven
by fewer numbers in NSW. Per MLA
saleyard reports, southern buyers met an increased cow yarding in Dalby, and
restockers paid slightly higher for stock heading back to the paddock. Roma
buyers were chasing quality as lightweight weaner bids eased. Feeder cattle
were dearer in Gunnedah and Wagga buyers were chasing feeder types with strong
competition.
This
week on Mecardo, Jamie-Lee Oldfield dived into exports, which continue to fly (read
more here). Australian beef exports to South Korea hit a monthly record in
August, increasing 18% year-on-year, and 36% more than the five-year average
for the month. Year-to-date volumes are now up 17% from 2024, and this means we
could have already hit the trade agreement safeguard quota, with remaining
exports to this market now subject to a 24% tariff. Meanwhile, American cow slaughter is 20% lower
YoY and Australian beef exports to the US are up 22% YoY.
Next week
90CL beef into the US sits at 1109AU¢/kg, the 6th consecutive week above the $11/kg mark and from a global trade perspective it’s been quiet on the trade policy front (for now).
With demand prospects likely to track sideways, supply will be the tipping point for prices from recent highs.
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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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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Quality improves to keep prices hovering at highs
Indicators traded within a narrow range this week, ranging from 8¢ declines (restocker steers at 477¢/kg lwt) to 11¢ gains (processor cows). The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) lost 1¢ to 896¢/kg cwt. The Western Young Cattle Indicator (WYCI) jumped 26¢ to 789¢/kg cwt.
Supply through the yards was 1% lower week on week, with the decline in numbers driven by fewer numbers in NSW. Per MLA saleyard reports, southern buyers met an increased cow yarding in Dalby, and restockers paid slightly higher for stock heading back to the paddock. Roma buyers were chasing quality as lightweight weaner bids eased. Feeder cattle were dearer in Gunnedah and Wagga buyers were chasing feeder types with strong competition.
This week on Mecardo, Jamie-Lee Oldfield dived into exports, which continue to fly (read more here). Australian beef exports to South Korea hit a monthly record in August, increasing 18% year-on-year, and 36% more than the five-year average for the month. Year-to-date volumes are now up 17% from 2024, and this means we could have already hit the trade agreement safeguard quota, with remaining exports to this market now subject to a 24% tariff. Meanwhile, American cow slaughter is 20% lower YoY and Australian beef exports to the US are up 22% YoY.
Next week
90CL beef into the US sits at 1109AU¢/kg, the 6th consecutive week above the $11/kg mark and from a global trade perspective it’s been quiet on the trade policy front (for now).
With demand prospects likely to track sideways, supply will be the tipping point for prices from recent highs.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Beef sector to stay strong after sky-high year
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
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
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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.