Australia-Cattle markets.

Cattle market alert

6/05/2009

Greater supply

National throughput increased 13% at MLA’s NLRS reported markets however there have been varying trends across the states. The public holiday Monday reduced numbers in Queensland by around a half compared to the same time last week. In NSW all centres recorded larger yardings with the exception of Tamworth and Forbes as total numbers increased almost 20%.

Only Wodonga recorded a reduced yarding in Victoria as throughput lifted 33% with Ballarat and Camperdown both were nearly double. Numbers were up across SA and WA reported centres. Killafaddy in Tasmania on the other hand was reduced by over half.

Quality remains mixed

Even though there has been an improvement to the season across many areas, quality continues to vary from well finished lots suitable for processors through to leaner lines suitable for restockers and feeders. This is particularly evident in the young cattle section. At a number of centres the better quality cattle have been supplementary fed. Shepparton also yarded some excellent runs of HGP treated supplementary fed yearling steers, heifers and grown steers.

The current trend of mixed quality is expected to continue now that the cooler weather has commenced and frost has been recorded across some areas.

Prices steady

The good prices over recent weeks were a factor behind the larger numbers at a few centres. Overall prices have shown some slight variations for most categories. Across the eastern states the trade steer was 5¢ dearer on last week at 176.4¢ while the feeder steer remained firm at 169¢/kg. The EYCI though eased 2¢ to 314¢/kg cwt compared to last Tuesday.

The medium grown steer was improved slightly to 160¢ as the Japan ox gained 3¢ to 164¢/kg on last week. The US cow improved 2¢ to 122.6¢/kg when compared to last Tuesday.