THE Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) has lifted by 0.5¢/kg so far this week, to settle at 336.5¢/kg carcase weight.
MLA's trade steer and feeder steer indicators have surged by 2¢/kg, to 190¢/kg and 181¢/kg respectively.
The Japan ox indicator, however, has slipped 2¢/kg – to 177¢ and US cow has slipped 1¢/kg, to 130¢/kg.
Prices improved across the board for cattle direct to feeders, as supply and suitable lines continues to be tight.
This trend of tight numbers is anticipated to carry on until late August and early September, sparking vigorous feedlot activity.
Direct to works rates followed a similar trend, with improvements for all categories in both the north and south of Queensland.
NSW processors generally maintained the previous weeks improved values.
Supply across MLA’s NLRS reported saleyards showed mixed trends despite an overall 2pc drop in national supply.
Both Queensland and NSW managed to yard greater numbers while Victoria and SA yarded fewer cattle.
All reported Queensland markets lifted in supply, contributing to a 10pc rise in that state's throughput, after restricted numbers the previous week.
There were also several consignments from the western districts which encouraged an overall larger yarding.
NSW followed a similar trend to Queensland, with the majority of centres yarding greater numbers. Both CTLX and Wagga penned 17pc and 52pc more cattle, contributing to the 5pc rise in that state's throughput.
Improving prices have encouraged greater numbers combined with several cattle finished on crop ready for market, MLA says.
Going against the trend was both Victoria and SA - state throughput subsided 19pc and 13pc respectively.
All markets generally yarded fewer, which was heavily influenced by much needed rainfall at the end of last week and over the weekend, with more showers anticipated.
