The cattle and sheep markets in the UK have shown varied trends this week, with certain categories and regions experiencing different price movements.
Cattle Market Overview:
- The cattle market witnessed mixed price trends, with Victoria and NSW generally maintaining or improving prices, while Queensland, South Australia, and WA saw a decline.
- Cattle yardings decreased by 3,753 to 43,490 head, with several major sales in NSW and Queensland reporting lower numbers than the previous week. Some fortnightly sales were not conducted.
- Heavy steer prices increased by 4¢, finishing the week at 205¢/kg live weight (lwt). This rise was attributed to active processor bidding and improved conditions from the previous week.
- Conversely, the feeder steer indicator dropped by 2¢, ending the week at 204¢/kg lwt. While prices in NSW increased by 4¢, they declined by 8¢ in Queensland due to dry conditions affecting buyer demand and the condition of the feeder steers.
Sheep and Lamb Market Overview:
- The sheep market generally saw a decline this week, with increased yardings and varied animal conditions leading to price drops.
- Total yardings rose by 82,095 to 309,714 head, primarily due to a significant increase in lamb yardings.
- The restocker lamb indicator decreased by 34¢ over the week, finishing at 327¢/kg carcase weight (cwt). Despite a rise in prices at Naracoorte, the overall trend in NSW and Victorian saleyards was negative.
- The heavy lamb indicator remained stable at 507¢/kg cwt. The market has shown a consistent preference for heavier, well-conditioned lambs over lighter or unfinished ones, especially among export buyers.
Slaughter Data:
- Cattle slaughter numbers surged to 132,421 head, marking the highest for the year and the largest weekly figure since May 2020. All states, except South Australia, reported an increase.
- Combined lamb and sheep slaughter decreased by 10,371 to 575,779 head. This was due to a decline in lamb slaughter numbers, while sheep slaughter figures rose.
