Weekly cattle and sheep market wrap in Australia

Cattle The cattle market eased this week. With Christmas at our doorstep, some key saleyards have closed for the year and will start up in the new year. Market reports states key buyers and processors were not operating thus entering a cheaper market compared to the previous week. Cattle yardings dropped by 75,112 to 7,452 head, however such a significant decline is expected given the time of year. The feeder steer declined by 36¢ to 249¢/kg liveweight (lwt). Prices across the eastern states eased significantly while lifting for Western Australia. In NSW, the market generally eased, however Wagga prices grew by 15¢ above the national average price of 249¢/kg lwt, fuelled by the availability of suitable cattle for feeders and restockers. The same phenomenon occurred at Carcoar with prices rising by 32¢ above the national average. The limited yardings display producers’ desire for quality young cattle to enter the market in the new year. Sheep and lamb The sheep and lamb market was ...