Actually, in indication of beef demand somewhat than cattle demand driving the market, all main nationwide male indicators are buying and selling above month-ago ranges, whereas all the feminine indicators are decrease. Heavy steers closed this week at 452¢/kg, experiencing the most important seven-day bounce of all of the nationwide worth factors, up 17¢/kg. This determine is 30% larger year-on-year, and sits about 23% above the five-year common, regardless of throughput for the indicator being barely larger than the identical week final yr.
Feeder steers had been totally agency at 466¢/kg, regardless of an additional 4,500 head going via the nationwide indicator this week, and it stays about 15¢/kg stronger than 4 weeks in the past. Restocker steers had been additionally virtually agency (down 1¢/kg) to 484¢/kg, 23¢/kg stronger than final month. Whereas nonetheless about 30¢/kg above year-ago ranges, restocker steers nationally are buying and selling nearer to the short-term common, this week solely working at a 3% premium.
Processor cows have come underneath some worth stress, influenced by ample provide and a rising Aussie greenback. Nationally, the indicator closed at the moment at 361¢/kg, having misplaced 25¢/kg previously 4 weeks. Indicator-eligible inventory on this class climbed by 5,000 head week-on-week, and this was about 4,000 head greater than the identical week in 2025. Traditionally, the worth stays robust, nevertheless, up 38% year-on-year and 28% above the five-year common.
Final week’s slaughter fell by about 19,000 head from the earlier week, on the again of the general public vacation and scorching climate cancelling yardings. This determine was nonetheless 2% larger year-on-year, nevertheless, indicating the robust cattle provide continues. Nationwide cattle yardings rose greater than 30,000 head to take a seat again nicely above the Meat & Livestock Australia rolling two-year common, and greater than 10,000 head above the identical week final yr.
