Cattle throughput at MLA’s NLRS reported saleyards dropped 20% after the large increases recorded last week. Every state had reduced numbers, with Toowoomba, Wagga, Ballarat and the SA Livestock Exchange notably lower. Widespread rain over the weekend throughout SA, Victoria and NSW provided some encouragement to producers to withhold stock.

Competition improved across most grades of prime stock, with some added pressure from lotfeeders and restockers. Numbers are anticipated to return to similar levels in later week sales, with the first sale for a fortnight being held at Wednesday sales and numbers from Queensland continuing to flow.

Price recovery

The tightening in supply assisted prices across the majority of categories to regain last weeks losses, with only the very poor quality lines continuing to lack demand.

The benchmark Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) gained 34.75¢, settling at 329.25¢/kg cwt – returning to similar levels witnessed three weeks ago.

Export cattle prices improved with the Eastern States Japan Ox indicator up 5¢ at 168¢ and the US cow indicator gaining 15¢, settling at 117¢/kg.

TheCattleSite News Desk