Wow what a month we have seen. With widespread rain throughout all of the eastern states of Australia we have seen some fire in our livestock markets. With this wide spread rain we have seen numbers restrict further in the sheep and cattle markets which intern has had positive gains in prices.
In the cattle market we are noticing a purely supply and demand driven market, with numbers low through all grades we are seeing restocking and feeder steers making from $3.40 to $3.80 c/kg, feeder and restocking heifers are making in excess of $3.00 c/kg and up to $3.50c/kg. On the export front we have seen some great gains with heavy steers and bullocks back over the $3.00 c/kg mark and up to $3.25c/kg, and cow supply has tightened and seen most grades receiving promising gains with the best of your heavy cows making up to $2.50 c/kg. I believe this cattle market for the next month will stay considerably strong as long as numbers stay low and demand keeps high.
To the sheep and lamb markets, hold onto your hats because things are really heating up, but for how long? With the lamb market we are seeing very strong gains in both domestic and export markets with most domestic and export processors offering over the hook rates in excess of $6.00 c/kg and in the saleyards we are seeing the best heavy trade and light export lambs making from $145 and up to $170 and the extra heavy lambs making up to $230.
The mutton market has rallied on to sky high rates with most mutton making in excess of $4.00c/kg and in the yards with the best of the heavy mutton making up to $170 for full wool heavy merino ewes and wethers.
So until next month let’s hope for these strong prices to continue. For any other information on market trends or marketing options don’t hesitate to call.
By Adam Chudleigh