The latest Meat and Livestock Australia slaughter figures, last week, fell by about 2700 head week-on-week, but continued to trend above year-ago levels. Since the start of September, slaughter has been sitting between 5% and 9% higher year-on-year, and 32% and 39% above the five-year average. Traditionally, the highest weekly slaughter for November and December falls this week, which has been reflected in the yarding numbers. Yardings increased by more than 10,000 head from the previous week, to the highest weekly figure since May. East coast yardings were 60% higher year-on-year, and 64% above the average.
Slaughter-ready sectors, heavy steers and processor cows, had the smallest week-on-week change in throughput, with heavy steers the only major indicator to actually yard less. Heavy steers still dipped about 7¢/kg, to land at 456¢/kg. Put into perspective, nationally heavy steer prices remain nearly 30% above the five-year average, and sit at the highest week-end level for this week of the year on record. The biggest cohort for the indicator number-wise was the 600–750kg section, but the price held firm, while the smallest was the 400–500kg steers, and they dropped nearly 15¢/kg from the previous week.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator dipped further than the national indicators, losing 14¢/kg to finish the week at 894¢/kg. Roma Store, Queensland, had 20% of the EYCI throughput but still operated at a significant premium to the average, sitting at 923¢/kg, with only Wagga Wagga, NSW, with 10% of the EYCI-eligible stock achieving a higher price, at 924¢/kg. Both restockers and lotfeeders upped the ante for both steers and heifers under 500kg at Roma, while processors pulled back, and the National Livestock Reporting Service quoted cattle coming out of Western NSW boosted numbers.
Restocker yearling steers picked up 9¢/kg for the week, which was 55¢/kg stronger than a month ago, and 150¢/kg higher than 12 months ago. Again, Roma Store had the largest throughput, with a third of the eligible stock, and trended well above the national average, at 549¢/kg compared to 523¢/kg. Indicating where the season is still favouring, restocker steers averaged 509¢/kg in NSW this week, and 529¢/kg in Queensland, despite there being nearly 5000 more on offer in the north.
Restockers show support in the north
Next week
Historically, we have another fortnight of solid throughput before the holiday slowdown begins, and this is more likely than ever to eventuate this year as supply is clearly ample and markets are prompting producers to offload sooner rather than later. There’s nothing to indicate the demand side of the equation will see any change for the final month of the year, except perhaps some more widespread rain in the south, prompting renewed restocker support, meaning markets should sit at the status quo through to Christmas.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: Mecardo; Meat and Livestock Australia, ABS
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
It’s never a quiet one
Despite saleyards and processors being shut for the holidays, the market continues to be thrown curveballs. The announcement of quota limits for beef imports into
China springs new year trade barrier
We are less than two weeks into 2026, but already the beef industry has faced a multitude of events which will continue to impact markets
Quiet week after a monumental year
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
Global protein demand underpins Australia’s rising cattle market
Australian cattle prices have made significant year on year gains in 2025 despite ample supply, as global protein demand, led by the US, created a
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.