Introduction
The National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) has recently released an in-depth analysis of the Australian cattle market, focusing on data up to the week ending 29 September 2023. The report aims to shed light on the performance of various cattle categories and their respective specifications across different states.
National Trends
The report indicates that most market indicators have declined this year, reaching their lowest points in several years. Generally, cattle entering feedlots are fetching higher prices per kilogram compared to those sold to other types of buyers. Heavy cattle with moderate or better muscle scores are notably outperforming other categories.
State-by-State AnalysisWestern Australia
Western Australia (WA) is outperforming the national average in several aspects. For instance, the Western Young Cattle Indicator (WYCI) stood at 510.64¢/kg, significantly higher than its eastern counterpart at 357.03¢/kg. In WA, feeder steers and restocker steers are fetching prices well above the national average.
Queensland
Queensland is also showing strong performance, with prices for feeder steers, restocker steers, and heavy steers all exceeding national averages.
New South Wales
In New South Wales (NSW), the market trends align closely with national averages. However, restockers in NSW are willing to pay premium prices for heavy bulls, cows, and calves.
South Australia & Victoria
Both South Australia and Victoria are seeing high prices for heavy steers, although feeder and restocker prices are below national averages. In Victoria, vealer heifers over 330kg are commanding the highest prices across all categories in Australia.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, yearling steers/heifers and weaner steers/heifers make up the majority of the market and are fetching prices above national averages.
Top Performers by Category
The report also includes a table highlighting the best-performing cattle categories based on price, muscle score, and fat score. These categories range from bulls and calves to cows and yearling steers.
Methodology and Data Collection
The NLRS employs highly skilled Livestock Market Officers (LMOs) who attend up to 70 saleyard markets across Australia every week. These LMOs are nationally accredited livestock assessors and provide accurate and reliable data that informs the indicators on the NLRS website.
