A SHORTAGE of cattle in Southern Australia is continuing to drive feeder cattle prices higher, with most grids increasing by about 20c in the past fortnight.

Yarralinka Feedlot, SA

Heavy 400kg+ flatback feeder steers on the Darling Downs are now comfortably 400c/kg or higher, with quotes given to Beef Central this morning ranging between 400-410c/kg.

Angus prices in both the north and south are ranging between 500-520c/kg, with one lotfeeder quoting 490c/kg.

Heavy British Cross (no indicus) steers in the south are making between 450c-470c/kg.

One Southern buyer who spoke to Beef Central this morning said most of the dry areas of Southern Australia have now received at least some rain and there is plenty of confidence heading into Spring.

However, with pasture still yet to grow there is a shortage of heavy cattle and Southern lotfeeders are having to go as far north as Queensland to fill pens. The bulk of the cattle are at least coming from areas north of Wagga.

More rain fell over New South Wales and Victoria at the end of last week, with snow across most of the Northern Tablelands. Beef Central understands the weather has temporarily disrupted access, with roads back open and cattle expected to start moving again this week.

Cattle numbers are continuing to flow in Qld, with Roma agents backing up a busy July with 9900 on the draw tomorrow. One buyer told Beef Central this morning that strong sales in recent times has lifted confidence across the board.

Numbers have been slower further south, as the rain significantly reduced the yarding at today’s Tamworth cattle sale, with only 600 head penned.

Numbers were back up to 3000 head at Wagga today after dropping down to 1500 due to rain interruptions last week. According to the National Livestock Reporting Service, feeder steers weighing between 330-400kg surged 26c on last week to range between 446c and 568c/kg. There was only 98 feeder steers above 400kg.

The NLRS feeder steer indicator opened this week at 448c, which is up about 20c on the start of last week after a reduction in numbers. 400kg+ feeder steers were up 19c on the previous week in Qld and 16c in NSW to average 417c and 473c respectively.

Source: MLA NLRS saleyard indicators Monday 4 August 2025.  

Forward prices adjust higher on swaps tool

StoneX Australian livestock manager Ripley Atkinson said the recent increase in prices has pushed forward bids and offers over 400c/kg in the coming months.

“Buyers are actively engaged in the market, showing genuine bids well forwards into 2026,” he said.

“Sellers continue to recognize with strong price signals in the spot market, informing higher bids out the forward curve, that the opportunity to lock away some of these higher rates well forwards is an attractive strategic proposition and as a result are willing to sell the swap to manage risk and lock in these solid rates.”