East coast yarding’s retreated a substantial 17% from last week’s level, with the reductions occurring right across the states, lead by QLD, which dropped a sizable -23%, followed by NSW and VIC at -12% and -17% respectively.
Overall, yardings decreasing by a total of 7,378 (-17%) on last week saw 36,747 cattle yarded on the east coast for the week ending 18th September. This level is 40% below last year, and 25% under the 5 year average for this time of the year, but the dip in cattle coming to market in mid-September is hardly a shock, as we have seen this trend play out in most recent years.
Slaughter numbers came off 10% off from last week, shaving away all of the increases we saw building up over the last few weeks, with QLD and VIC driving the slide, with both losing 13%, and NSW also falling 3%.
A Total of 100,208 cattle were processed, which is 11,691 head under last week, and 35% down compared to the same time in 2019.
The EYCI climbed a little, putting on 9c (1.3%) to settle at 775¢/Kg cwt, still at a level 59% above last year.
A mixed bag of results to report on the categories, with Vealers, Restockers and Feeders losing some ground, while Steers and Cows destined for processing made some modest gains.
Medium and Heavy steers built on their fortnight of steady progress, adding 5¢ (1%) and 7¢ (2%) respectively, to close the week at 369¢/kg lwt and 377¢/kg lwt, while medium cows gained 7¢ to close at 270¢/kg lwt, and processor steers lifted 6¢ to 404¢/kg lwt
Restocker steers fell down 15¢ (3%) to end at 435¢/kg lwt but feeders resisted the trend, only shedding 1¢ to settle at 400¢/kg lwt
Vealers displayed their normal volatility, giving back 1¢ of the gain seen last week to come to rest at 422¢/kg lwt
On the international front, the big news is that the Aussie dollar has slumped down a whopping 3.3% over the week, to settle at the pleasing level of 0.70¢ US, which should improve our competitive position for exports. The 90CL Frozen Cow price fell 6¢ (1%) back to 663¢/ kg.
Restockers retreat, and the AUD tumbles
East coast yarding’s retreated a substantial 17% from last week’s level, with the reductions occurring right across the states, lead by QLD, which dropped a sizable -23%, followed by NSW and VIC at -12% and -17% respectively.
Overall, yardings decreasing by a total of 7,378 (-17%) on last week saw 36,747 cattle yarded on the east coast for the week ending 18th September. This level is 40% below last year, and 25% under the 5 year average for this time of the year, but the dip in cattle coming to market in mid-September is hardly a shock, as we have seen this trend play out in most recent years.
Slaughter numbers came off 10% off from last week, shaving away all of the increases we saw building up over the last few weeks, with QLD and VIC driving the slide, with both losing 13%, and NSW also falling 3%.
A Total of 100,208 cattle were processed, which is 11,691 head under last week, and 35% down compared to the same time in 2019.
The EYCI climbed a little, putting on 9c (1.3%) to settle at 775¢/Kg cwt, still at a level 59% above last year.
A mixed bag of results to report on the categories, with Vealers, Restockers and Feeders losing some ground, while Steers and Cows destined for processing made some modest gains.
Medium and Heavy steers built on their fortnight of steady progress, adding 5¢ (1%) and 7¢ (2%) respectively, to close the week at 369¢/kg lwt and 377¢/kg lwt, while medium cows gained 7¢ to close at 270¢/kg lwt, and processor steers lifted 6¢ to 404¢/kg lwt
Restocker steers fell down 15¢ (3%) to end at 435¢/kg lwt but feeders resisted the trend, only shedding 1¢ to settle at 400¢/kg lwt
Vealers displayed their normal volatility, giving back 1¢ of the gain seen last week to come to rest at 422¢/kg lwt
On the international front, the big news is that the Aussie dollar has slumped down a whopping 3.3% over the week, to settle at the pleasing level of 0.70¢ US, which should improve our competitive position for exports. The 90CL Frozen Cow price fell 6¢ (1%) back to 663¢/ kg.
The week ahead….
The rainfall forecast for the coming week is not particularly promising, as it looks like only Eastern Victoria will receive the best of the rain, and a very dry week ahead is in store for QLD in particular. This may lead to further reduced overall interest in restocking activity in the short term, but the overarching La Nina conditions over the medium term remain positive.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: MLA, BOM, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Supply is still high, but prices are steady
The cattle market experienced little movement in the past seven days, as a public holiday in some states saw yardings dip below the five-year average
Raining upside for young cattle?
It doesn’t rain grass, but with the long weekend, rain does offer some light at the end of the tunnel for southern livestock producers. With
Big moves on and off the kill floor
Temperatures are dropping, but supply and slaughter continue to trek higher as big news on and off the kill floor stole the show after minimal
Heifer price holds up
The national restocker price has held fairly firm for the second quarter of 2025, sitting at a premium of around 10% year-on-year, as well as
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.