Numbers on feed recover from September quarter levels

As indicated in the latest edition of the ALFA/MLA lot feeding survey, numbers on feed for the December quarter of 2016 lifted 19% from the previous quarter, to 935,788 head nationally, however remained 6% below where they peaked in December 2015. This lift was due in-part to the dry conditions across much of the eastern seaboard, coupled with an increase in capacity (particularly in South Australia) and a wet winter which restricted numbers in the September quarter.

Numbers on feed in;

• NSW were 14% higher than the September quarter but decreased 20% (or 71,506 head) from year-ago levels, to 286,561 head
• Queensland jumped 17% from the previous quarter and 5% from the same period last year, to 540,875 head
• Victoria were 29% lower year-on-year, at 53,290 head, but lifted 14% from September 2016 levels
• SA  more than doubled from September 2016, to 21,747 head, but remained 29% lower year-on-year
• WA jumped around 70% on both last quarter and December 2015 numbers, to 33,315 head

Strong competition from restockers saw cattle prices maintain their high levels through the quarter. The quarterly average for the domestic paddock feeder steer indicator and the national saleyard feeder steer indicator both increased 13% from year-ago levels, averaging 359.26¢/kg lwt and 354.71¢/kg lwt, respectively.

Lower grain prices continue to partially offset higher cattle prices and are anticipated to remain low on the back of high domestic and global grain supplies.

For more insights into the latest lot feeding survey results and grainfed beef trend – please click here to view the ALFA/MLA lot feeding brief or email marketinfo@mla.com.au to subscribe.