Search

26 June 2017
Cattle on feed at the end of the March 2017 quarter increased almost 81,000 head or 8% from the December...

17 September 2021
Cattle market stronger than ever

25 February 2021
The Western Young Cattle Indicator (WYCI) moved into record territory last week, outperforming its eastern equivalent by 41¢/kg.

19 January 2017
US imported beef market edging higher

17 October 2018
Substantial rain over the last week has provided some market confidence, with saleyard throughput showing a marked decline and the EYCI climbing back over 500c/kg.

14 August 2018
US imported beef prices were mixed last week, as fatter trim prices lost ground compared to the week prior and...

15 December 2016
So the question is, will the downward price trajectory continue, or will the market turnaround in the early stages of 2017? In the past, the cattle indicators have increased by an average 2% from January through to March, reflecting the general contraction in cattle availability. Considering the early stages of herd rebuilding are evident, and considering the significant rise in cattle on the market in the final quarter of 2016, the same supply pattern will more than likely follow again in 2017. The two factors at play that will more than likely constrain the price potential for this period are competition for finished cattle, and restocker demand. Restockers specifically have shown considerable intent over the past eight months to replenish depleted herds, and with the likelihood of a hot and dry three months ahead, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, this will probably cool the competition on that front. For finished cattle prices, the Queensland over-the-hook indicators have dropped to a similar degree as young cattle prices, yet while restockers may be competing a little less fiercely, the competition between processors for the limited pool of cattle will continue to be of assistance to the market. In short, the young cattle market could be impacted by the summer heat, while the demand for finished cattle in the first quarter of 2017 is likely to remain strong. Beyond this period though and as is often the case, whether or not the recent decline is simply seasonal or a correction will be heavily influenced by the weather. A prolonged bout of dry conditions will more than likely result in a market correction, or falls greater than what would normally occur through seasonal patterns. The EYCI finished 2016 at 634.5¢/kg cwt, up 47.5¢ from the same time last year.

11 August 2016
Yet again, cattle prices have continued to break new records this week. After surging through the 700¢/kg cwt mark at...

26 June 2015
Cattle consignments decreased week-on-week by 25%, with numbers reaching 2,288 head. The yarding halved in size at the SA Livestock Exchange to 326 head.

30 July 2015
Only light rain was recorded across most of WA this week, with falls below 10mm in most areas.