All National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) saleyards presented significantly higher yardings this week. Despite the increased supply, prices were stable under pressure. Seasonal conditions across large parts of NSW have deteriorated over the past four consecutive months, with below to very much below average rainfall received.

Extreme heat across eastern Australia led to the cancellation of several livestock markets as animal welfare was prioritised.

All cattle market indicators dropped, excluding the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator, which continues to strengthen early into 2026. Restocker steer yardings lifted in comparison to last week and there is a strong demand for steers to place on grass.

The Central Queensland Livestock Exchange at Gracemere was cancelled due to flooding and saleyard supply across QLD remained low.

All cattle market indicators dropped, with the Restocker Yearling Heifer Indicator the best performer of the week. Cattle yardings eased by 3,129 to 97,326 head but still marked the fourth largest weekly yarding of the year.

Weekly US beef buyer summary

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National cattle yardings fell 22% to 81,928 head after the previous week’s high of 103,794 head. This was fuelled by attractive market prices for producers and anticipation of the market’s end-of-year break.

Weekly cattle and sheep market wrap