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.
Prices tracked sideways as the trade waits in anticipation of some rainfall to reach the dry southern cattle regions. Indicative NLRS yardings early Friday has
Final quarter livestock slaughter and production data is now available for 2025, offering insight to the October to December period, and the annual figures. The
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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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Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
Categories
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Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published
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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.