Cattle Market Alert: Stable Cattle Prices

AUSTRALIA - The public holiday and rain are limiting cattle national yardings, whilST cattle prices remain steady in New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia, reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

5 October 2011

1 minute read

Oceania

Public holiday and rain limit cattle yardings

National cattle yardings were back 43 per cent at markets reported by MLA's National Livestock Research Service as the public holiday Monday in NSW and SA affected throughput.

NSW supply fell by 65 per cent and SA supplies were back 60 per cent with no sales held on Monday. Elsewhere yardings were also lower after the extensive rain as Queensland throughput dropped 32 per cent and WA numbers were five per cent lower.

Quality improving

The proportion of lightweight yearling cattle remained high, with producers offloading secondary lines whilst restocker demand holds strong. However, numbers of heavier, properly finished lines were also widespread - with processors and feeders competing strongly. Export cattle grades were particularly scarce at some markets, as the lower cow yardings drove prices higher.

Cattle prices stable

After Tuesday the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) was 0.5¢ higher than last week, finishing on 396¢/kg cwt.

Trade steer prices improved by 7¢ - to 221¢ and the feeder steer indicator was firm on 212¢/kg lwt. Heavy steer prices were one cent cheaper on 195¢ and medium cow prices were stable on 150¢/kg lwt.