Cattle market alert
20 June 2012
Normal trading lifts supply
The return to normal trading saw total national throughput at markets reported MLA’s NLRS more than doubled week-on-week. NSW total yarding’s increased 97% as Tamworth, Wagga and Forbes were operating again after last week’s public holiday. Queensland recorded a 63% increase predominately due to larger yarding’s at Roma store. Victoria recorded an increase in throughput by 52% mainly due to the inclusion of Pakenham, while SA more than tripled as SA Livestock Exchange resumed.
Quality remains mixed
The quality among the eastern states remained mixed with predominately more plain and unfinished cattle on offer. Well finished young cattle are harder to source in the south as the cool wintery conditions are taking their toll. In southern Queensland grass fed cattle are just holding condition. The north still has some good quality cattle, although yarding’s in the past few weeks have included an increase in supplementary fed cattle.
Prices varied
At the close of Tuesdays markets the Eastern Young cattle Indicator (EYCI) averaged 373¢, down 250¢/kg cwt week-on-week. The trade steer indicator gained 4¢ to settle on 202¢, while medium steers lost 1¢ to average 177¢/kg. Medium cows gained 2¢ on 132¢, with feeder steers lifting 2¢ to average 199¢/kg. Heavy steers remained firm on 183¢/kg.