Cattle Market Alert
AUSTRALIA - National cattle supply at MLA's NLRS reported markets increased by five per cent compared to last week on the back of a 10 per cent jump in numbers in Queensland and an 18 per cent lift in throughput in NSW.
15 December 2010
2 minute read
Numbers up leading in to Christmas
The numbers came forward despite very wet conditions and flooding in a lot of areas, according to Meat and Livestock Australia. Producers are keen to take advantage of the current high saleyard prices to generate some income before the Christmas selling break, as this week will be the last sale at some centres.
Numbers fell 6 per cent and 20 per cent respectively in Victoria and SA with wet conditions having an impact and farmers that are able to harvest are concentrating on trying to salvage some crop. Numbers came back 8 per cent at Muchea in WA with a large proportion of the yarding lightweight vealers and pastoral cows.
Quality and condition of most offerings is good although there remains a scattering of plainer lines. There are some reports of water damaging feed and pasture supplies resulting in cattle potentially loosing condition. As such they may need a bit longer to be finished properly.
Demand remains strong from all buying sectors with processors and feeders looking to fill orders before the selling break commences. Plenty of consigned orders are still not able to be delivered and may be held back for a number of weeks yet due to road closures and weight restrictions, this has also helped saleyard competition.
After Tuesday's markets the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) had gained 7¢ for the week to reach a new high for the year at 390.5¢/kg cwt. The trade steer indicator settled 2¢ higher on 200¢ and feeder steer improved 5¢ to 207¢/kg lwt. The Japan ox indicator gained 2¢ to 187¢ and medium cow was 1¢ dearer on 145¢/kg lwt.
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