Cattle Market Alert
AUSTRALIA - National cattle throughput at Meat and Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) reported physical markets improved by 25 per cent as supply returned to normal levels at most markets. However, cattle turnoff remained limited in some regions due to the colder weather and lower demand, with consignments seven per cent lower year-on-year.
Queensland supply was mainly responsible in boosting numbers as consignments increased by 67 per cent - primarily as the Roma Store market increased three fold as a high amount of local bred cattle were turned off.
NSW throughput lifted by five per cent and Victorian numbers increased by 13 per cent. SA turnoff eased by 22 per cent, while WA numbers were again lower.
Yardings were once again mixed which is typical of this time of year with cooler temperatures. The best quality lines are grain fed or crop finished, yet the clear majority of young cattle are in store condition. Although back in numbers, grown cattle are generally in good condition.
Cattle prices stabilise After Tuesday's markets the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) had slipped 3 2 on last week, to 375 2/kg cwt. With quality only fair, restockers are buying the majority of lightweight cattle, while feeder demand has slowed in recent weeks. The trade steer indicator was 1 2 higher on 203 2 and feeder steers held firm on 196 2/kg lwt.
Demand for grown cattle is still mixed, however the good quality supply contributed to heavy grown steers gaining 2 2 -176 2 and medium cows finished firm on 134 2/kg lwt.
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