National throughput at MLA’s NLRS reported saleyards remained similar overall compared to the same period last week. Queensland and NSW penned higher consignments, with Scone doubling and Toowoomba offering larger numbers. There has also been more numbers coming forward from central and northern Queensland, where humid conditions along with some later turnoffs have prompted supply.

Restockers continue to provide solid support on the young, light categories. Lotfeeders have been competitive up to a ceiling price, with some buying lower numbers. Weaker export demand is having an influence on both saleyard and direct to works grown steer prices at present.

EYCI again strengthens

The benchmark Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) gained 9.75¢ from last Tuesday to its highest point since September 2006, at 346.25¢/kg cwt. This is a 30% price rise since the low point at the beginning of December last year.

The Japan Ox slipped 6¢ under weaker export demand while the US cow indicator dropped 3¢, to finish at 179¢ and 135¢/kg respectively.

Changes in over the hooks (OTH) quotes were mixed across the states, with Queensland cheaper across all categories. NSW and Victoria were dearer for vealers and medium cows and the remainder were mainly unchanged.

TheCattleSite News Desk