Despite national supply remaining tight, restocker activity looks to be waning in the north, helping to drive young cattle costs lower to their lowest levels in six months. Lot feeders are currently buying stock at a discount of more than 100 cents per kilogramme carcase weight from restockers, indicating that the hot feeder market has reached its apex. Given the below-average rainy season in some areas, cattle from the Northern Territory are beginning to enter the Queensland border sooner than usual. Although many Territory cattle do not fulfil EYCI guidelines, this has helped keep yarding sizes up in the Sunshine State.
There has been a week-on-week reduction of 6000 head in EYCI cattle yarded across the country, with Wagga Wagga in NSW now accounting for nearly 19% of the EYCI. According to agents, demand from individuals wishing to fill paddocks is remains high in the south. Meat & Livestock Australia analyst, Steve Bignell, disclosed that EYCI cattle at Dubbo saleyards this week traded at a 92c/kg carcase weight premium to Dalby and a 57c premium to Roma. Lot feeders now account for about 60% of the EYCI offering and have the luxury of being significantly more selective. The Argus northern cattle feeder price has dropped to $5.43/kg liveweight from $5.54/kg.
Tim Jude, StoneX, a livestock and commodities broker, said that in the saleyard, quality feeder lines were continuing to keep their value, but that as feedlots filled up, buyers were becoming more selective in what they were willing to pay for. At the same time, there was a bottleneck in terms of feeder cattle entering the Queensland market, which was exacerbated by heavy rain, resulting in a minor overstock, according to Nutrien Roma branch manager Andrew Holt. According to him, this was placing some downward pressure on feeder pricing. Still, feeder prices are at extraordinarily high levels, and although it’s difficult to see them falling too far in the current situation, it’s also difficult to see them climbing. “Margins have been stretched as feed grain prices have risen, but lotfeeders can still spend $500 less than the completed price,” he said.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
