EARLY feeder cattle prices have started this year slightly stronger than last year in some regions, despite some uncertainties with the China trade and seasonal conditions.

Speaking to buyers and sellers this morning, 400kg+ flatback feeder steers on the Darling Downs were making between 490-510c/kg. All Angus feeder quotes on the downs were for 510c/kg. Some of those quotes were up 10c/kg on rates offered by one of those companies late last year.

JBS, Beef City, Purrawunda QLD

Quotes in the south have been more varied, with crossbred steers making between 460-480c/kg. Southern Angus steers have been making between 500c-530c/kg – with cattle eligible for the European Union at the top of those quotes.

One large multi-state, multi-site lotfeeder is not currently issuing quotes in its northern operations, having bought strongly prior to Christmas.

Floods and road conditions in Central Queensland are said to be impacting the market this week with roads disrupted and issues getting already-consigned feeder cattle into Darling Downs feedlots.

Numbers building up

As usual, the feeder market has started this year reasonably with quotes for today’s feeder market update still hard to come by.

However, feedlots are starting to book ahead with at least one booked out for the next fortnight and the no quote mentioned above.

Many lotfeeders opportunistically bought some cheaper feeders out of the saleyards at the end of last year, as agents across NSW and Qld yarded big numbers.

Uncertainty with weather and China

While the market has started strong, there are some uncertainties ahead – with China’s new tariffs on beef still not resolved and a growing area starting to look dry.

At least two lotfeeders told Beef Central that they had pulled back on their China programs, with one offering quotes specifically for HGP-treated cattle. More on this topic in a story tomorrow.

The weather is the other uncertainty with parts of Southern Qld and NSW starting to look dry after some hot weather in recent weeks.

One lotfeeder said a large area of Southern NSW and Northern Victoria will be looking for an Autumn break or there will be issues sourcing heavy feeder cattle like last year.

Floods in the north are also factor, with the impact of them still being surveyed.