Australia-The cattle trade.

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 14¢/kg lwt. The majority of medium weights went to restockers, however, prices managed to slip 3¢, to average 176¢ and top 200¢/kg lwt despite the recent rain.

In contrast, the medium weights to feedlots were generally firm to 7¢/kg dearer, ranging from 173¢ to 190¢. The majority of medium weights returned to the paddock, however, and prices held firm to average 177¢ after topping 193¢/kg lwt.

Lot feeders were active purchasing yearling steers this week, with lightweight C2’s selling over a wide price range of 132¢ to 186¢, however, prices managed to ease 4¢/kg. Corresponding grades to restockers lost a further 6¢, to average close to 168¢, with a top of 186¢/kg lwt. Medium weights predominantly went to feeders and prices held firm to 1¢ cheaper, with sales to 184¢/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 3¢, to average 169¢, and top sales at 189¢/kg lwt.