By Simon McKittrick, Logical Livestock & Property
Markets remain reasonably firm, underpinned by strong export demand while widespread but patchy rain over the past fortnight has helped strengthen confidence, even as central and southern regions still await more consistent follow up falls.
Numbers have started to come forward in recent weeks, creating some downward pressure across all categories.
As we move further into spring, the balance between supply, seasonal conditions and export demand will be key in determining whether prices hold, rise or ease back before year’s end. For now, the overall market remains in a solid position heading into 2026.
This Week in the Cattle Market
- EYCI: 824c/kg
- Aussie Dollar: Steady at just under US 65.5c
Indicative Prices (Liveweight/Carcase):
- Domestic Feeder Steer: $5.20–5.80+/kg
- Domestic Feeder Heifer: $4.00–4.20/kg
- Flatback Heavy Feeder Steer: $4.00–4.60+/kg
- Angus Heavy Feeder Steer: $4.80–5.20+/kg
- Slaughter Cow: $3.80–4.20+/kg lwt
- MSA Steers/Heifers: $7.40–8.20/kg hscw
Market Snapshot
Store Markets
Restocker demand remains reasonably strong across QLD, NSW and parts of northern production zones. The recent rains have slowed supply of attractive store lines. Lighter steers and heifers are attracting strong competition, while PTIC females have been performing particularly well. Cows & calves are plentiful enough, however remain in good demand for quality lines.
Feeder & Feedlot Markets
Demand for feeder cattle is firm, however rates have softened in the last few weeks due to annual Spring turnoff & patchy seasonal conditions across a large region. Flatback feeders in Queensland are selling well, and Angus feeders are commanding premiums as southern markets draw on northern supply.
Slaughter Markets
Processor demand is high, however some works are now booking space four to six weeks out. This could well change if storms start to fall across the main pastoral regions. Cow values continue to set the pace with the best cows back up over $4kg this week. Finished heavy cattle remain sought after, helping keep prices elevated.
Outlook – The Next 2 to 3 Months
The market is expected to remain firm to slightly stronger, especially for heavy, well finished cattle and cows.
Feeder and store markets will continue to be supported, provided seasonal conditions support summer grass growth and backgrounding opportunities.
Key factors to monitor:
Spring rainfall in southern Australia will alleviate strong supply response and tighten market conditions from a risk of increased turnoff.
Export demand, particularly from the US, remains a strong tailwind.
This is underwriting the base strength of current pricing.
The weather ie rain, the wet season or an east coast low, will dictate how markets hold up for the rest of the year. It won’t take much rain for producers to hold numbers through until next year.