THE gap between Angus and flatback feeder steer prices has widened in some areas this week, with some grids now showing an 80c premium for Angus cattle and other supply chains about 50c.

Feedlot buyers who spoke to Beef Central this morning were quoting between 360-370c/kg for 400kg+ flatback feeder steers, with one quote for southern British X cattle going at 400c/kg delivered Riverina.  Angus quotes are ranging between 420-450c/kg. One quote for EU Angus cattle was 460c/kg.

On Auctions Plus last week, 400kg+ feeder steers lifted 53c/kg to average 468c/kg, influenced by 83pc of the listings being Angus cattle.

With the southern states heading into its traditional wet season, a shortage of Angus cattle is expected at this time of the year.

However, the drought in Southern New South Wales and Victoria has exacerbated the situation this year – with a large sell off in recent months creating a shortage of supply and more lighter cattle pushing feedlots to prioritise heavier cattle.

One buyer told Beef Central this morning that a lot of Angus steers are now starting to go on oats crops in Northern NSW and Southern Qld, which was expected to boost supply in September/October this year.

Another factor likely to influence the Angus market is the rain that is currently hitting dry parts of the south, with about 25mm reported in the Riverina, Victoria and South Australia yesterday adding to some handy falls last week.

A public holiday in Victoria and NSW today means the big saleyards, like Wagga and Tamworth, are not operating today.

Plenty of numbers are still coming forward to feedlots on the Darling Downs, where prices for flatback feeders have been stable for most of this year.

Qld cattle in particular are starting to move, with 8000 head booked in at Roma tomorrow.

One agent told Beef Central this morning that good quality cattle were still selling well, with a line of steers heading to a feedlot on the Darling Downs this morning making 380c/kg.

“The feeder market is very stable at the moment, better quality cattle are attracting a lot of competition,” he said.

“The one trend we started to see last year and are seeing more and more this year is good feeder heifers that are spayed or preg tested empty are attracting up to a 30-cent premium compared to heifers that aren’t. “

Meat & Livestock Australia’s feeder steer indicator appears to be reflecting the gap in Southern and Northern prices, with heavy steers averaging more than 400c in both New South Wales and Victoria – which is about 20c dearer than the Qld indicator.

Source: MLA NLRS saleyard indicators Monday 1 June 2025.