Cattle Market Alert: Cattle Numbers Easing
AUSTRALIA - National cattle numbers are easing and heavier young cattle quality is improving according to the latest cattle market alert from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
2 November 2011
1 minute read
Cattle numbers ease
National cattle throughput fell 12 per cent week-on-week at physical markets reported by MLA's NLRS. The greatest reduction was in Victoria, where the Melbourne Cup public holiday disrupted sales which caused numbers to fall 50 per cent.
Queensland supplies were eight per cent higher, while consignments eased six per cent in NSW. SA yardings increased 25 per cent, and numbers fell 15 per cent in WA.
Heavier young cattle
Quality is fair to excellent at most markets with cattle generally in forward or finished condition and carrying plenty of weight. There have been reports that due to the excellent season suitable lightweight trade cattle have been hard to source, with heavier cattle being turned off. Producers are opting to achieve extra weight gain and some heifers are carrying excess condition.
EYCI buoyant
After Tuesday's markets the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) was 3¢ higher for the week on 402¢/kg cwt - 11 per cent higher year-on-year.
The trade steer indicator fell 3¢ to 210¢ and feeder steers were firm on 214¢/kg. Heavy steer prices were 3¢ cheaper on 192¢ and medium cows finished 4¢ lower on 148¢/kg lwt.
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