AUSTRALIA-Young cattle prices ease in NSW
24/04/2009
Prices for young cattle eased across MLA’s NLRS reported NSW physical markets this week. The cheaper trend was largely due to young cattle throughput more than doubling on the previous week. Young cattle quality was generally more suited to restockers and feeders, as recent rain encouraged producers to hold on to quality lines.
Lightweight vealer steers for slaughter recorded the largest price fall as C2 lines eased up to 14ยข/kg lwt. The majority of medium weights went to restockers, however, prices managed to slip 3ยข, to average 176ยข and top 200ยข/kg lwt despite the recent rain.
In contrast, the medium weights to feedlots were generally firm to 7ยข/kg dearer, ranging from 173ยข to 190ยข. The majority of medium weights returned to the paddock, however, and prices held firm to average 177ยข after topping 193ยข/kg lwt.
Lot feeders were active purchasing yearling steers this week, with lightweight C2’s selling over a wide price range of 132ยข to 186ยข, however, prices managed to ease 4ยข/kg. Corresponding grades to restockers lost a further 6ยข, to average close to 168ยข, with a top of 186ยข/kg lwt. Medium weights predominantly went to feeders and prices held firm to 1ยข cheaper, with sales to 184ยข/kg.
Feeders were again the major players in heavyweight categories this week along with processors. The C3’s to slaughter followed a similar pattern to the C2’s, with rates easing 3ยข, to average 169ยข, and top sales at 189ยข/kg lwt.