Echuca Cattle Report

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Report Date: 3rd December 2025

Total Yarding: 1,849

Commentary

Supply was similar at 1850 cattle, the make-up of the yarding being more than 1000 younger trade types and the balance exports. Overall quality was probably on the plainer side compared to recent sales, with less top-end trade cattle off grain and more grassy heifers and crossbred cattle in the mix. Not all the regular buyers attended, and the atmosphere of the sale was flat, with buyers inattentive and selective at times. There was also less restocking support on heifers this week. The market was softer by 5c to 30c/kg for a lot of categories, although some of the best Angus feeder steers and select trade bodies were close to firm. But noting the auction also fluctuated and some pens did show harsher price falls. The top outcomes were 516.6c/kg for yearling steers weighing 363kg that sold to restockers; a peak of 510c/kg for Euro yearling steers to domestic processors; a top of 485.2c/kg for grown steers weighing 600kg; and 434.6c/kg for big beef cows.

Domestic processors only pushed into the 500c/kg plus range for a handful of high yielding Limousin, Charolais and Speckle Park yearlings and vealers, the lead runs mostly 480c to 510c/kg. A few lines of black steers showing good breed quality and shape sold above 500c/kg to feeders and restockers. The majority of the yearling type steers and heifers sold in a range of 420c to 475c/kg, and there was some flat spots in the auction where reasonable beef heifers lost momentum to sell either side of 400c/kg and went as low as 350c/kg at times. The main run of average D-muscle shaped heifers in the 330-400kg range averaged 429c/kg, while heifers with more shape and finish averaged 459c/kg to processors. Restockers and traders picked through and paid similar money of 420c to 470c/kg for most younger steers and heifers. The plainest crossbred calves sold down to 250c/kg.

The cow market was softer but on a plainer run of females that didn’t show as much yield and finish compared to recent markets. The best hard fat cows with weight were similar at 400c to 436c/kg. Some big Friesian cows with fat cover sold to 408c/kg. Leaner and plainer cows 320c to 380c/kg for most. A limited run of straight bred grown steers 464c to 485c. Crossbred steers with some style mostly 420c to 460c/kg, and plainer types showing more dairy influence from 350c to 400c/kg.

Market reporter: Jenny Kelly