Cattle supply across the eastern states was again limited this past week due to widespread rainfall and flooding in areas of Victoria, with national throughput at MLA’s NLRS reported markets falling 32 per cent.
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MLA reports that numbers were back 55pc in Queensland, 27pc in NSW, 19pc in Victoria and 5pc in WA, while SA increased 8pc.
Markets in the eastern states generally recorded lower throughput, with Goulburn, Naracoorte, Mareeba and Bairnsdale the only exceptions.
Muchea in WA also saw more cattle offered, and these were mostly from the pastoral regions.
No sales were held at either Longreach or Murgon, with sufficient cattle unable to be transported to the yards.
MLA says the supply of all categories was affected by the weather, although quality reportedly improved at some markets with more supplementary fed stock entering the saleyards.
Vealer steer numbers were back 29pc, with restockers accounting for 34pc of purchases and processors 60pc.
Vealer heifer numbers were down 32pc, with trade buyers accounting for the majority.
Yearling steer offerings fell 33pc, with 35pc returning to the paddock, 25pc to feeders and 38pc to slaughter.
The number of yearling heifers penned fell 16pc, as trade buyers secured 60pc, while 25pc went to feeders.
Grown cattle numbers were also limited, with 41pc fewer steers yarded and cow offerings falling 28pc.
Given the weather, supply may remain tight for the next few weeks, particularly in Victoria.
Producers may also opt to properly finish cattle, given the condition that some may have lost in the wet.
