RAIN in Southern New South Wales has put some optimism into the feeder market after record selloffs in recent weeks pushed prices down.

While significant flooding on the NSW coast only went as far inland as the Riverina and many in the western districts are still looking for a break, it has inspired plenty of talk about the prospect of more rain this winter.

Angus premiums have widened in the past fortnight, with heavy steers ranging between 420c-440c/kg – which is a 50c-80c premium on the regular market.

Paddock prices for 400kg+ flatback feeder steers are down on the past fortnight with Queensland quotes ranging between 360c-370c/kg. In the south, British steers are hovering around 400c/kg, with one large multi-site lot feeder issuing quotes for flatbacks with some Bos Indicus content (see previous story here for clarity) at 375c/kg.

While a shortage of Angus feeders is typical for this time of the year, many are quoting a lack of weight in southern Angus steers for the premiums going out as far they have.

There is a feeling that light southern cattle that headed north earlier this year may end up back in southern feedlots or paddocks later this year.

In dealing with the lack of weight in southern feeder cattle, one large southern grainfed supply operator told Beef Central his company had been talking to overseas customers about the acceptability of slightly lighter grainfed carcase weights – perhaps averaging 315-320kg instead of 340kg – if the company was to lower its entry weights a little in response to the scarcity of heavier feeders in the region, and feeding those lighter cattle on a little longer than  normal.

Weather is now the main factor determining whether southern producers will continue to sell off light cattle in large numbers. The current rain system in Southern NSW and Victoria is expected to hang around for the next couple of days.

There is also a forecast of significant rain in the north, with a system coming through the Barkly Tableland and into Central Qld.

Significant rain has been forecast across the Eastern States.

Saleyard prices are slightly dearer than the paddock quotes, with Meat & Livestock Australia’s national feeder steer indicator opening this week at 378c/kg and the 400kg+ indicator 382c/kg.

Early sales this week have started off stronger than last week, with numbers down at the Wagga sale this morning. Heavy feeder prices have lifted 22c to average 411c/kg, it must be noted the National Livestock Reporting Service reports do not distinguish between breeds.

Source: MLA NLRS saleyard indicators Monday 26 May 2025.  

• Beef Central will have more on the cost of gain equation with feeder cattle in the coming weeks