RAIN-driven supply disruptions have been credited for a rise in feeder cattle prices with the market jumping about 10c in the past fortnight.

Parts of Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales have seen more than 100mm in the past week, along with similar falls in Victoria.

Large areas of North-West Qld and the Northern Territory have received more than 50mm.

Paddock prices for 400kg+ flatback feeders have been quoted between 375-390c/kg in Qld and Northern NSW according to  a range of industry contacts Beef Central spoke with today.

Saleyard prices have been punching higher again into the mid-390s range, as buyers compete for cattle to fill supply gaps created by the recent rain.

Southern markets are a bit cheaper with British cross steers making between 360-370c/kg.

Meat & Livestock Australia’s feeder steer indicator which quotes saleyard prices shows the north trading at a premium to the south, with 400kg+ animals opening this week 386c in Qld and 349c in NSW.

Angus feeder steers being quoted between 370-380c/kg in the south and 390-400c/kg further north.

As Beef Central’s regular feeder cattle market updates have reported in recent months, reasonable numbers of southern Angus feeders have been trucked north to feedlots in northern NSW and southern Qld, however it now seems that trend is slowing as hotter summer temperatures return to the Sunshine State.

With margins said to be tight between the price of buying cattle and selling at finished weights, many lotfeeders are reportedly reluctant to take on any more cattle than what is needed to fill contracts, and taking a very current approach to the market amid expectations that there will be more numbers coming onto the market early next year.

Many areas in Northern Australia have had two-to-three good seasons now, which has led to producers increasing herd numbers.

While much of the north has had a good start to the season, it is important to note that, where rain has not fallen, seasonal conditions have rapidly deteriorated with the recent hot temperatures.

More rain is on the forecast this week for most of Qld and the Northern Territory.

Prominent Queensland livestock agent Peter Daniel, principal of multi-branch agency Grant Daniel Long, said the prospects for 2025 are looking positive for producers who benefitted from recent rain.

“The country has responded so well,” he told Beef Central today.

“In a lot of years you wait until February to get this sort of rain, and it is a short season then.

“I think it is looking good for next year, a lot of people will be set up pretty well, the processors are killing at full capacity pretty well and the feedlots have all expanded and they are keen to stay full, so it is looking good all round I think.”