As the markets wrap up on the run to Christmas there was little movement on the price front. With all saleyard indicators currently sitting well and truly higher than this time last year, the market finds itself in a strong position from both a supply and demand outlook.
It’s been a dramatic year for the Australian cattle market as discussed on Mecardo by
Jamie-Lee Oldfield (read more here) Domestic cattle prices have improved markedly
year on year in 2025, with demand managing to more than offset historically
strong supply and cautious, at best, restocker support across southern
Australia.
This week,
indicators were relatively stable with most averaging single-digit gains or losses.
Processor Cow indicators eased 13¢ to 365¢/kg lwt, and feeder heifers improved 8¢ to 418¢/kg lwt. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) lost 3¢ to 858¢/kg cwt and the Western Young Cattle Indicator (WYCI) finished this year at 818¢/kg
cwt.
Meatworks wrapping up for the year took some heat out of bids this week, but back at the plant, the pace remains intense. Weekly slaughter this year averaged 147K head, which is 13% higher than last year’s weekly average. Processors being comfortable at this pace isa good sign for the start of 2026 which, weather depending, could see supply remain elevated, particularly out of the North.
Next week
The summer is well and truly biting in, and some summer rainfall would be well received to not tip the scales on supply when saleyard trading resumes. Whether the rains come or not, the export outlook and processors’ willingness to move through volumes remain favourable heading into early 2026. For higher prices, just add rain.
Wishing all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Supply was looking for shade as temperatures skyrocketed and saleyards shut the gate. Despite the lull in numbers, buyers were similarly backing off. The heat
Australia sent more beef offshore in 2025 than any other year on record, demonstrating considerable resilience against ever-variable seasonal conditions across the country. There were
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Quiet week after a monumental year
Next week
The summer is well and truly biting in, and some summer rainfall would be well received to not tip the scales on supply when saleyard trading resumes. Whether the rains come or not, the export outlook and processors’ willingness to move through volumes remain favourable heading into early 2026. For higher prices, just add rain.
Wishing all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Buyers want beef not cattle
The cattle market was mixed this week as a cooler change (and no public holiday) saw numbers flood back to saleyards. National indicators show that
Beef outlook strong, cattle another question
A quick review of data coming out of the US comes with the conclusion that extreme global beef demand isn’t going anywhere for some time.
Buyers cool off as temperatures soar
Supply was looking for shade as temperatures skyrocketed and saleyards shut the gate. Despite the lull in numbers, buyers were similarly backing off. The heat
A big year for Aussie beef
Australia sent more beef offshore in 2025 than any other year on record, demonstrating considerable resilience against ever-variable seasonal conditions across the country. There were
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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.