National price averages for major saleyard cattle categories dipped to their lowest levels in three years in 2012-13, according to figures released this week by Meat & Livestock Australia.
The average price paid for trade steers in the 330-400kg, C3 carcase weight category in 2012-13 was 349c/kg cwt, 9pc down on than the 382c average paid in the previous financial year.
Medium steers in the 400-500kg C3 cwt category averaged 314c/kg cwt, 7.5pc below the 2011-12 average of 339c/kg.
Heavy steers in the 500-600kg C4 range averaged 325c/kg cwt, 4.5pc below the previous year’s average of 340c/kg.
Medium cows in the 400-520kg D3 cwt category averaged 256/kg cwt, 12pc down on the 2011-12 average of 290c/kg.
Averages for most categories were at their lowest since the 2009-2010 financial year, when the trade steer indicator averaged 329c/kg cwt; the medium steer indicator averaged 311c/kg cwt and the heavy steer indicator averaged 310c/kg, and the medium cow indicator averaged 360c/kg.
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