6 December 2010

2 minute read

Oceania

The ongoing wet conditions through the eastern states were the major factor, limiting the transportation of cattle to processors and causing some to work on reduced kill shifts. Despite falling against the five year average, cattle slaughter was 9 per cent higher than November 2009, when a deteriorating season and limited export demand led to weaker processor buying, with less kill days accordingly.

Despite substantial rainfall throughout the month, Queensland slaughter rose 17 per cent on 2009, but fell two per cent below the five-year average. In NSW, cattle slaughter slipped 4=four per cent year-on-year, and 10 per cent on the five-year average.

Victorian slaughter levels improved seven per cent on last year, a reflection of physical market throughput which increased 25 per cent in November compared to 2009 levels. Similarly in SA, cattle slaughter rose 10 per cent year-on-year and 5 per cent on the five year average. Tasmanian slaughter numbers were similar to October but 6 per cent lower than the same period in 2009.

Adding to supply pressure for processors are the current excellent pasture conditions in the eastern states, which have given producers the option of holding onto stock. Producers this year have been able to turn off cattle when they are finished, in contrast to previous years when drought conditions have forced the turn off of cattle. Grown steers and cows have been entering the market displaying excellent weight and condition for most of 2010 accordingly.

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