Record cattle prices as rain greens northern pastures
Processor cow prices hit 401.53 cents per kilogram, breaking the previous record set in November last year.
Heavy rain across Queensland and northern NSW has triggered a grass explosion, and cattle producers are holding onto lighter animals to let them gain weight before sale. The Processor Cow Indicator hit 401.53c/kg on Tuesday, exceeding the previous high of 397.62c/kg from early November.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator also recovered to 1015.47c/kg. Rain totals in Roma and Injune regions reached 120 to 180 millimetres, with some areas near Taroom receiving 50mm.
Producers say they will delay sales by six to eight weeks to capitalise on rapid weight gains. Warwick's Tuesday sale and Emerald's Thursday sale were both cancelled due to rain.
- 401.53 cents per kilogram
- Record Processor Cow Indicator
- 397.62 cents per kilogram
- Previous high
- 120 to 180 millimetres
- Rain in Roma and Injune
- Six to eight weeks
- Delayed sale period
Why it mattersFarmers can keep cattle longer for better weight and higher prices, but delayed sales mean feedlots struggle to fill orders and compete for stock.
AustraliaQueensland and northern NSW cattle producers face better prices but tighter supply, while Australian beef exports compete in a global market where US production is down.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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