A full week saw yardings jump which put downward pressure on prices, with the majority of indicators losing value on the week prior. According to some saleyard reports, the quality of the pens was not what it has been in recent weeks, causing some buyers to pull back.
The Eastern States Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) was flat
week on week, finishing at 623 c/kg, Yardings lifted by 9% to a total of 16.5k
head. Roma had the largest contribution and averaged 2% higher in value, which
according to its saleyard report was supported by good quality cattle off oats.
In the West, young cattle fell week on week by 8% in value
closing the week at 523¢/kg. Yardings for the indicator had a significant fall
of 36%, which couldn’t sandbag the value drop. Mount Barker had an 11% drop in
value and a 35% drop in yardings driving the decline in the indicator’s value.
Processor cows were down by 4% for the week falling to
263¢/kg, with yardings lifting by 3%. Roma had the largest contribution regarding
volume, but the highest average prices for the week were dominated by southern
states. Powranna in TAS and Leongatha in Vic both cleared the 290¢/kg mark, a
10% premium on the national indicator.
Heavy Steers closed the week at 327 ¢/kg a fall of 5%, losing
the gains it had made the week prior. Yardings for the indicator jumped by 20%,
again applying downward pressure on prices, as buyers had more to choose from.
Dalby topped the heavy steer indicator with volume and averaged 2% below the
indicator, Shepparton was in second for volume and averaged a 4% premium on
value.
Initial yardings reported by the NRLS show an increase week
on week of 10%, ticking over the 60k head mark. For the East Coast when compared
to the same week last year yardings were 34% higher this year, whilst this is a
significant percentage change, it is lower than what 2024’s run rate has been
which is over a 50% increase.
Slaughter levels for the week prior fell by 12% as expected
due to a public holiday in multiple states. NSW was down 17% and QLD was down
15%. This drop has pushed the total back towards the medium-term average as
shown in Figure 2.
Next week
When looking at yardings historical trends there is a ramp-up beginning around mid to late October, so week-on-week increases are not uncommon for this time of year. All things equal this will put pressure on pricing.
The cattle market continued its strong start to 2025, with most price indicators rising from last week’s starting point. Spurred by favourable rain, it was
Australian beef export volumes reached new highs in 2024 and are set to continue climbing in 2025. Our domestic beef herd reached maturation last year,
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In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making.
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Supply heads towards the norm
The Eastern States Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) was flat week on week, finishing at 623 c/kg, Yardings lifted by 9% to a total of 16.5k head. Roma had the largest contribution and averaged 2% higher in value, which according to its saleyard report was supported by good quality cattle off oats.
In the West, young cattle fell week on week by 8% in value closing the week at 523¢/kg. Yardings for the indicator had a significant fall of 36%, which couldn’t sandbag the value drop. Mount Barker had an 11% drop in value and a 35% drop in yardings driving the decline in the indicator’s value.
Processor cows were down by 4% for the week falling to 263¢/kg, with yardings lifting by 3%. Roma had the largest contribution regarding volume, but the highest average prices for the week were dominated by southern states. Powranna in TAS and Leongatha in Vic both cleared the 290¢/kg mark, a 10% premium on the national indicator.
Heavy Steers closed the week at 327 ¢/kg a fall of 5%, losing the gains it had made the week prior. Yardings for the indicator jumped by 20%, again applying downward pressure on prices, as buyers had more to choose from. Dalby topped the heavy steer indicator with volume and averaged 2% below the indicator, Shepparton was in second for volume and averaged a 4% premium on value.
Initial yardings reported by the NRLS show an increase week on week of 10%, ticking over the 60k head mark. For the East Coast when compared to the same week last year yardings were 34% higher this year, whilst this is a significant percentage change, it is lower than what 2024’s run rate has been which is over a 50% increase.
Slaughter levels for the week prior fell by 12% as expected due to a public holiday in multiple states. NSW was down 17% and QLD was down 15%. This drop has pushed the total back towards the medium-term average as shown in Figure 2.
Next week
When looking at yardings historical trends there is a ramp-up beginning around mid to late October, so week-on-week increases are not uncommon for this time of year. All things equal this will put pressure on pricing.
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Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
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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.
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In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making.
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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.