Weekly cattle intake tops 30,000 head for first time since April

Finishers are reporting factories showing 'a bit more interest' in cattle this week, which is being described as a positive for the trade outlook.

A shade more confidence has returned to the beef trade at the factories this week, with prices stabilising after nearly four consecutive weeks of decline.

For the first time since April, the weekly intake at factories exceeded 30,000 head last week, while supply remains about 75% compared with the same week in 2024. Weekly supply continues to be almost 10,000 head less than a year ago.

Improved weather during the second half of September helped finishers hold on to stock, as better ground conditions meant the expected surge in factory supply did not materialise.

Finishers are reporting factories showing "a bit more interest" in cattle this week, which is being described as a positive for the trade outlook.

Speculation in recent weeks was that the decline in factory quotes would bottom out at 700c/kg, and as of this week, prices have settled on a base a shade stronger than that — welcome news for producers.

Most factories are quoting a base of 710c/kg for steers, with deals up to 720c/kg being negotiated. Agents have been described as "a bit more anxious to get the cattle" than in recent weeks.

The general base quote for heifers is 720c/kg, with a good percentage of sellers reporting 730c/kg being paid, particularly to those with larger numbers.

One supplier summed up the mood: "There is definitely less of the 'that's it, take it or leave it' attitude by the factories this week as they seem more anxious to get the cattle, even if they have to give a few extra cents to secure them, which is all positive for finishers."

Trade has firmed across all categories this week, with prices more stable. There is good demand for cows, with 690–700c/kg being paid for R-grade cows. Prices for young bulls are close to the equivalent grade steer at 720–725c/kg for R-grade.

Supply last week was 30,053 head, compared with 39,854 head the same week last year. Year-to-date intake up to last week came to 1,215,819 head, compared with 1,323,819 for the same period in 2024.

Supply last week included 13,897 steers, 8,821 heifers, 5,825 cows and 1,060 young bulls, with all categories substantially lower than last year. Steers were down 5,000 head on 2024 levels.