Spring cattle surge sends young stock prices plummeting
Spring cattle surge sent young stock prices down 28 to 63 cents per kilogram in September.
Australian cattle saleyards saw supply jump dramatically in September as spring conditions and dry weather pushed producers to sell. NSW yardings jumped from 47% to 73%, Queensland from 68% to 81%, with every state recording increases.
Processors did not increase slaughter activity; most eastern states actually eased back. The shift created a buyers' market.
Feeder steer prices dropped 41 cents per kilogram liveweight, feeder heifers fell 47 cents, and restocker yearling heifers recorded the largest fall at 63 cents. Slaughter-ready cattle proved more resilient, suggesting the surge in young cattle came ahead of a broader recovery in finished stock.
Some early signs suggest the sharp September correction may be stabilising, with some restocker prices strengthening in recent weeks.
- 41 cents per kilogram
- Feeder steer drop
- 63 cents per kilogram
- Restocker heifer drop
- 47% to 73%
- NSW yardings change
- 39% to 21%
- NSW processing drop
Why it mattersThe sudden shift from winter scarcity to spring abundance has reversed market power, with buyers now selective and young cattle absorbing most price pressure.
AustraliaAustralian cattle farmers selling young stock face significantly lower prices in spring, while those holding feeder cattle are becoming more cautious about when to market.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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