Echuca Cattle Report

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Report Date: 16th April 2025

Total Yarding: 750

Commentary

Numbers dropped back to 750 cattle leading into the Easter holiday period. It was a cheaper market, 10c to 30c/kg pulled off a lot of cattle with some secondary heifers and plain store calves recording bigger losses. It was debated whether processors had filled slaughter requirements ahead of Easter leading to less demand, or if the on-going dry season was starting to influence the market. A few of the regular buyers were absent. It was also a plainer quality yarding, with less good fed cattle and more animals showing the affects of the tough season. The bulk of the yarding was in store condition and more suited to restocking and feeder orders.

The best fed Euro steers and heifers 375c to 410c/kg, with a high yielding young bull to the market top of 419c/kg. There was a noticeable step back in demand from processors at the top end of the market and some fed cattle were passed in. Quality straight bred feeder and restocking steers showing shape and frame 330c to 380c/kg, with some lightweight Angus weaner steers to 396c/kg. After this the market was very variable around breed type and condition, a lot of younger cattle priced from 250c to 330c/kg. Plainer shaped grassy heifers faced a much tougher market.

The export section had the biggest cut to numbers, with only limited cows and grown steers offered. The few pens of heavy beef cows which still had fat cover were firm to dearer on plainer quality at 280c to 318c/kg. But light conditioned cows, including dairy breeds, were cheaper at 220c to 250c/kg for most. Mixed grown heifers 255c to 355c/kg. Very plain run of crossbred manufacturing steers from 158c to 278c/kg.

Market reporter: Jenny Kelly