YEARLING and heavy steer prices have maintained an upward price trend in the past week, spurred on by strong competition from processors buying in the saleyards.
The NSW Yearling Steer Indicator for cattle bought by processors lifted another eight cents a kilogram (liveweight) to 530c/kg, while medium weight steers averaged 480c/kg, which was 25c/kg dearer. Both these indicators are more than 100c/kg higher than this time last year.
Heavy steers in NSW were up 14c/kg and averaged 467c/kg.
Demand in the Central West appears to be the driver of the higher prices as averages across that region's saleyards have been higher than the rest of the state in the past week.
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Beyond the saleyard, Meat and Livestock Australia reports that over-the-hooks prices also reached new highs last week, highlighting processors' abilities to pay a little more, with Queensland and NSW prices increasing significantly.
The impressive results across all categories reflect the confidence in the market.
"This comes as Australia's seasonal conditions continue to improve, along with the fact that global beef supply is low and demand for product continues to improve from key markets," MLA reported.
It's clear these factors are helping to support an already strong baseline of cattle prices.
On the international front, MLA forecast demand for Australian product should remain strong as significant supply shortages in South America continue and global foodservice activity ramps up, helping to fuel beef prices.
Agent nominations - it's the final call
NOMINATIONS to enter the ALPA ACM Agency Award close on Friday, so there's no time to waste in sending off that entry.
The award is open to agents with less than 10 years' experience and comes with some great prizes including a Quadrant Agricultural Tours voucher and a $1000 cash prize.
Visit www.alpa.net.au for the entry form or phone 02 9262 6633 for further details.
Selling in spring? Get organised now
THE spring selling season is starting to heat up, but Integrity Systems Company (ISC) is reminding red meat producers they must meet their integrity requirements under the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program and the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) to get their animals sold.
ISC chief executive Jane Weatherley said producers should check before putting livestock on the market that their LPA accreditation is up to date.
"To access LPA National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) required to transport livestock, producers must be LPA-accredited," Dr Weatherley said.
"Many buyers, including saleyards and abattoirs, also require producers to be LPA-accredited to sell livestock to them. Producers can check their LPA accreditation by logging in to their LPA account via myMLA."
Dr Weatherley advised producers to correctly complete their LPA NVD ahead of transporting livestock for sale.
For more spring selling tips, visit www.integritysystems.com.au.
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