The Feeder Steer Indicator outpaced the Restocker Steer Indicator by 17¢ this week, reflecting positive market movement. However, yardings fell by 21,786 to 50,476 head.

The National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) weekly slaughter has shown significant turnoff headlines over the past 12 months. The weekly NLRS survey consistently covers ~85% of national slaughter (calculated against ABS actuals), making it a reliable dataset to analyse trends.

Cattle price stability has built market confidence, despite a more subdued week. Cattle yardings eased by 17,755 to 55,996 head.

The cattle market remained positive with most indicators increasing. Yardings also remained stable, easing slightly by 560 to 68,308 head. The Feeder Steer Indicator led the way, rising 14¢ to 398¢/kg liveweight (lwt) - outperforming the Heavy Steer Indicator which finished at 372¢/kg lwt. Feeder steers and heifers saw consistent price lifts, rising 25¢/kg for feeder steers at Moss Vale and 15–35¢/kg for heifers at Wagga.

The cattle market remained stable this week. Yardings eased 24% to 56,797 head due to rainfall and the long weekend impacting some sales.

Cattle yardings rose by 8,345 head to 72,045 for the week, a 13% increase, demonstrating consistent supply.

The cattle market returned to prices seen at the start of this month, with all indicators up between 1–45¢/kg liveweight (lwt) on last week. Yardings eased as the east coast rainfall constricted supply. National yardings eased 6% to 57,689 head. There were declines across all states bar Queensland, which is showing a strong supply of cattle, up 37% week-on-week.

The cattle market took a downward turn this week, particularly the Dairy Cow Indicator which eased 59¢. The only exception was the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator, which moved sideways. After a record level of yardings last week, there was a decrease of 24,995 to 76,448 head.

Weekly US beef buyer summary