For the most part, markets were more balanced this week as the declines and gains were less drastic than we saw over Autumn. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) tracked sideways, now sitting at 567¢/kg cwt. Whilst we are well and truly in the midst of a seasonally high level of supply, rainfall continues to reach growers which presents opportunity.
On the east coast heavy steer pricing saw marginal improvement as Victoria rose 2¢ at 295¢/kg lwt and a 10¢ increase was seen in NSW, ending at 298¢/kg lwt. The declines in the cattle market have not been as steep for finished cattle as opposed to younger cattle, which has most likely appealed to those getting the rain. The spread between National Heavy Steers to the EYCI now sits at just a -4% difference as opposed to the -19% in June last year.
Processor cows in Victoria didn’t change at 224¢/kg lwt, gained 2¢ to 205¢/kg lwt in NSW and lost ground by 13¢ in Queensland finishing at 194¢/kg lwt.
Initial data signals a significant jump in yardings this week compared with the 26k that made their way to saleyards last week. This looks to be driven by Queensland where numbers have more than doubled, (6k head for the week ending 7th July to just under 20K this week). After the unseasonal rainfall in large parts of Queensland in recent weeks this isn’t surprising. What has been surprising has been the continued expectation-defying rainfall throughout winter allowing some producers to hold onto cattle in a depreciating market.
Feeder steers heading to saleyards for the month to date nationally sit at 24k head, while the average head for July since 2018 has been 42k. We know that there is plenty of supply so unless significant numbers of feeders arrive next week, we might be seeing evidence of growers rolling the dice on fattening cattle whilst feed is available. Argus has reported that competition for feeder steers is ramping up with growers’ intentions to hold onto stock creating some urgency amongst feedlotters. The national feeder steer indicator is up to 319¢/kg lwt, an increase of 3¢ for the week.
East coast slaughter for last week was down 5% week on week to 114k. The supply situation is impacting seasonality as slaughter is up 22% on the same time last year.
Next week
The World Meteorological Organization has declared El Niño, but the BOM haven’t joined the fray despite being the most bullish on the outlook earlier this year. If supply heading to market spreads out as opposed to bottlenecking as a result of available feed and procrastination of turnoff, pricing should find support as long as export demand continues to track stronger this quarter.
Much like many paddocks across Australia after recent rains, the national cattle indicators are a sea of green. All categories rose from the previous week
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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To feed or not to feed?
On the east coast heavy steer pricing saw marginal improvement as Victoria rose 2¢ at 295¢/kg lwt and a 10¢ increase was seen in NSW, ending at 298¢/kg lwt. The declines in the cattle market have not been as steep for finished cattle as opposed to younger cattle, which has most likely appealed to those getting the rain. The spread between National Heavy Steers to the EYCI now sits at just a -4% difference as opposed to the -19% in June last year.
Processor cows in Victoria didn’t change at 224¢/kg lwt, gained 2¢ to 205¢/kg lwt in NSW and lost ground by 13¢ in Queensland finishing at 194¢/kg lwt.
Initial data signals a significant jump in yardings this week compared with the 26k that made their way to saleyards last week. This looks to be driven by Queensland where numbers have more than doubled, (6k head for the week ending 7th July to just under 20K this week). After the unseasonal rainfall in large parts of Queensland in recent weeks this isn’t surprising. What has been surprising has been the continued expectation-defying rainfall throughout winter allowing some producers to hold onto cattle in a depreciating market.
Feeder steers heading to saleyards for the month to date nationally sit at 24k head, while the average head for July since 2018 has been 42k. We know that there is plenty of supply so unless significant numbers of feeders arrive next week, we might be seeing evidence of growers rolling the dice on fattening cattle whilst feed is available. Argus has reported that competition for feeder steers is ramping up with growers’ intentions to hold onto stock creating some urgency amongst feedlotters. The national feeder steer indicator is up to 319¢/kg lwt, an increase of 3¢ for the week.
East coast slaughter for last week was down 5% week on week to 114k. The supply situation is impacting seasonality as slaughter is up 22% on the same time last year.
Next week
The World Meteorological Organization has declared El Niño, but the BOM haven’t joined the fray despite being the most bullish on the outlook earlier this year. If supply heading to market spreads out as opposed to bottlenecking as a result of available feed and procrastination of turnoff, pricing should find support as long as export demand continues to track stronger this quarter.
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Data sources: MLA, Argus, Mecardo
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Have any questions or comments?
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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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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.
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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.