Cattle yardings fell to their lowest levels in two months this week, which helped push prices higher right across the board. Rainfall over the past 10 days no doubt also boosted market competition, with restocker steers experiencing the largest upswing, but processor categories also made strong improvements.
On the supply side, last week’s (latest figures available) national cattle slaughter reached 158,511 head, which was the second-highest weekly total for 2025 so far, and 14,000 head higher than the same week in 2024. These high numbers also drew the female slaughter percentage to 45%, a figure that has been lower than that since the second week in September.
Yardings this week fell to their lowest point since the last week in August, which was right on par with numbers from the same week last year. The week-on-week decrease came primarily out of Queensland yardings. In turn, national indicators increased by between 6¢/kg and 21¢/kg for the week, which put both the processor cow and restocker steer prices above month-ago levels.
The National Young Cattle Indicator rose 13¢/kg to 442¢/kg, with online sales making up four of the top five throughput avenues. NSW online sales had more than 20% of the total NYCI numbers and averaged 456¢/kg, while the Roma, Queensland, store sale had 17% and averaged the same price. In the east, the young cattle price rose 18¢/kg to 844¢/kg carcase weight, putting it at a 210¢/kg premium to year-ago levels, but still lower than four weeks prior.
As mentioned, restocker steers are now the only young cattle category to sit higher than they were a month ago, rising to 468¢/kg this week on the back of a very strong Roma store average of 487¢/kg, which made up 40% of the total throughput. Wagga Wagga and Dubbo, NSW, also averaged above the national price but only had 7% and 2% of the numbers, respectively. Processor cows also rose nearly 20¢/kg, as national numbers fell by more than 2,000 head week-on-week, and the indicator landed at 381¢/kg.
Next week
As we round the corner into the last week of spring, the coming week’s throughput should give us an indication of whether the recent rainfall in some cattle-producing areas was enough to offset some record high temperatures and give producers confidence to hold onto or buy into more stock for the summer.
The cattle market responded positively to lesser throughput and areas of rainfall this week, with prices lifting right across the board. Slaughter has remained historically
The female and young cattle selloff continues as meaningful rainfall eluded much of New South Wales. Slaughter rates have continued to climb, and prices have
High herd numbers and less than ideal seasonal conditions in parts of the country, teamed with seasonal ramping up of activity post-wet season, has meant
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.
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.
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.
Rain slows supply, restockers ramp up
On the supply side, last week’s (latest figures available) national cattle slaughter reached 158,511 head, which was the second-highest weekly total for 2025 so far, and 14,000 head higher than the same week in 2024. These high numbers also drew the female slaughter percentage to 45%, a figure that has been lower than that since the second week in September.
Yardings this week fell to their lowest point since the last week in August, which was right on par with numbers from the same week last year. The week-on-week decrease came primarily out of Queensland yardings. In turn, national indicators increased by between 6¢/kg and 21¢/kg for the week, which put both the processor cow and restocker steer prices above month-ago levels.
The National Young Cattle Indicator rose 13¢/kg to 442¢/kg, with online sales making up four of the top five throughput avenues. NSW online sales had more than 20% of the total NYCI numbers and averaged 456¢/kg, while the Roma, Queensland, store sale had 17% and averaged the same price. In the east, the young cattle price rose 18¢/kg to 844¢/kg carcase weight, putting it at a 210¢/kg premium to year-ago levels, but still lower than four weeks prior.
As mentioned, restocker steers are now the only young cattle category to sit higher than they were a month ago, rising to 468¢/kg this week on the back of a very strong Roma store average of 487¢/kg, which made up 40% of the total throughput. Wagga Wagga and Dubbo, NSW, also averaged above the national price but only had 7% and 2% of the numbers, respectively. Processor cows also rose nearly 20¢/kg, as national numbers fell by more than 2,000 head week-on-week, and the indicator landed at 381¢/kg.
Next week
As we round the corner into the last week of spring, the coming week’s throughput should give us an indication of whether the recent rainfall in some cattle-producing areas was enough to offset some record high temperatures and give producers confidence to hold onto or buy into more stock for the summer.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Decade high slaughter doesn’t dampen market
The cattle market responded positively to lesser throughput and areas of rainfall this week, with prices lifting right across the board. Slaughter has remained historically
Have we got 2023 on our mind?
The female and young cattle selloff continues as meaningful rainfall eluded much of New South Wales. Slaughter rates have continued to climb, and prices have
Supply starts to outpace cow demand
High herd numbers and less than ideal seasonal conditions in parts of the country, teamed with seasonal ramping up of activity post-wet season, has meant
Yards still full of NSW cows
The cattle sell-off kept on keeping on this week with national yardings dipping ever so slightly from last week to the second-highest level for 2026
Want market insights delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up to the mailing list to get regular updates to new analysis and market outlooks
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.