Cattle market alert
18 July 2012
Numbers well back
National cattle throughput has declined 34% at markets reported by MLA’s NLRS this week. The largest decline was recorded in Queensland as the Roma store sale dipped to 1,400head following widespread wet weather. NSW also declined 33% as rain affected supply with Dubbo and Gunnedah back 68% and 39% respectively. Victoria’s throughput eased 16% as most setting centres recorded a decline. SA and Tasmania both remained steady, while WA was the only state to offer greater numbers.
Quality remains mixed
The overall quality continues to be mixed across most grades with finished cattle scattered across most selling centres. The southern areas are feeling the effects of the winter weather with unfinished cattle dominating a number of centres. There have been runs of good crop or supplementary fed cattle offered. The usual buyers were present as processors continue to compete for the finished cattle, while restockers and feeders have been well catered for.
Price eases
At the close of Tuesday’s market the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator eased 4¢ to 379¢/kg cwt. The general trend was firm to cheaper despite the significant decline in numbers. The trade steer indicator declined 4¢ as the feeder steer indicator eased 1¢ with both making close to 205¢/kg lwt. The medium steer indicator lost 5¢ to 182¢/kg lwt as the medium cow indicator remained on 137¢/kg lwt w. The only indicator to gain ground was the heavy steers which lifted 5¢ to 194¢/kg lwt