Australia: Weekly sheep and cattle market wrap

Cattle In the first full week of cattle sales for 2023, the market delivered some valuable insights for producers and the industry more broadly. Overall, the market and prices eased in the final weeks of selling for 2022 and are significantly below the record highs experienced 12 months prior during January of last year where all indicators broke records. Despite softening in prices, market commentary across the saleyards this week identifies that quality bred and finished stock are continuing to demand premiums to the general market and are the least affected in terms of price compared to previous sales. This trend will continue to remain a hallmark of 2023 and prices paid for better bred and finished animals will remain constant. Table 1. Current cattle prices against December and January 2022 As reflected in the table above, the market has corrected in the first selling week of 2023 to a point where buyers are prepared to operate within. It is important to remember that 2022 ...