Beyond the Saleyards: Old season sheep backlog continues

It’s been a tough market in sheep this week, with oversupply continuing to weigh on prices.

A more usual August would see processors crying out for stock, but at this stage the fight to find booking space continues for those with old season stock left to sell.

The east coast is, however, open to taking some WA stock, which will hopefully help WA buyers get on top of the backlog.

East coast wool prices are unchanged over the past week and the Western Market Indicator gained 10¢/kg.

This was likely somewhat impacted by the fact the Fremantle market will be closed this week for its annual non-sale week.

The falling cattle prices seem to have halted, with some categories seeing gains this week.

Both processors and live exporters were active at the saleyards, helping to support sales.

The Western Young Cattle indicator is, however, showing a drop of 40¢/kg, which is more closely aligned to prices of the week before.

Processor and feedlot market bids at the start of the week (¢/kg or $/head):

● WA market indices: Weaner steers 626¢, weaner heifers 544¢, yearling steers 500¢, yearling heifers 430¢.

● SA market indices: Yearling steers: 600¢, vealers: 612¢.

● East coast processor prices: MSA: steers 770¢, heifers 765¢. Cows 660¢. Jap Ox: steers 740¢, bulls 545¢.

● Queensland feedlots: Black Angus: 540¢, Black Angus British X: 520¢, Wagyu X Angus: POA.

To contact buyers and for more price information please log in to the Agora Livestock Markets app or online at www.agoralivestock.com.au.

Rob Kelly is the founder and managing director of Agora Livestock, a free service with the latest sheep, cattle and goat price grids in one easy-to-use app.