Slaughter cattle direct consignment price grids have surged deeper into record territory this week, driven by a rise in international beef demand in some countries as COVID confidence grows, at a time when mid-winter supply becomes chronically tight across large parts of eastern Australia.

Quotes seen from competitive export processors in Queensland this morning have lifted 20-30c/kg in places, with offers as high as 695c/kg on heavy four-tooth export type steers (some of those offers for HGP-free only – deduct 10c for steers with a pill) and heavy cows 625- 640c.

Central Queensland plants are 10c/kg behind those rates.

All are clearly new records for slaughter cattle, after bumping up against some previous record highs over the past month.

Reflecting the dwindling supply of suitable cattle, Dalby sale this morning saw quality heavy cows making the equivalent of 650c/kg dressed weight equivalent, where they stood. Feeders continued their red hot price trend, with pens of red Santa x Hereford type flatback 350kg steers making 528c/kg at Dalby this morning, and heavier crossbreds around 505c. Heavy Angus feeders at Armidale this week set new records, clearing $2700 a head. More on feeder price trends tomorrow.

Several Queensland processors said they anticipated supply getting really tight by the end of this month, and extending into August and September.

In southern states, competitive processors were this morning offering 715c/kg for four-tooth heavy steer and 650-660c/kg on better quality heavy cows – also new records, up 20-30c on earlier rates. Better saleyards cows in recent days have made as much as the equivalent of 720-730c/kg carcase weight in the south.

Slaughter numbers rise a little

Last week’s seven day national slaughter rose a little to 102,549 head, down about 20,000 head or 20pc on the same week last year, but up about 5000 head or 5pc on the week before. Female slaughter continues at very low levels, accounting for 42pc of the total.

Queensland’s kill reached 50,575 head, a 2pcx rise on the week before, while NSW reached 29,142 head, a 4pc lift on the previous week. Victoria’s kill was little changed at 12,689 head, while South Australia (2619 head) and Tasmania (4838) were also similar to the week before.