Beyond the Saleyards: Live export to resume after vessel delay

With the annual three-month moratorium on live sheep exports having finished on September 15, the first livestock vessel is expected to arrive in Fremantle on October 1.

The vessel experienced delays in transit, which is not ideal considering the already large supply of sheep ready for sale in WA.

WA direct sheep prices fell again this week as supply of new season lambs began to hit the market.

Hogget and mutton prices were relatively stable.

Over east, NSW saw steady lamb values but prices fell in both Victoria and South Australia.

The Immune Ready Guidelines, designed to enable cattle producers and lot feeders to differentiate sale animals, based on their vaccination and health status, launched this week.

The website can be found at www.immuneready.net.au.

Australia’s east coast is expecting another week of rain, which has spurred activity in cattle markets while producers take advantage of the ability to move stock before the rains.

Direct prices were firm, which was supported by saleyard markets also rising, with the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator up 29¢/kg this week.

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

● WA market indices: Weaner steers 602¢, weaner heifers 518¢, yearling steers 578¢, yearling heifers 496¢.

● SA market indices: Yearling steers: 567¢, yearling heifers: 550¢.

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

● Queensland feedlots: Black Angus: 565¢, Black Angus British X: 545¢, Wagyu X Angus: POA.

To contact buyers and for more price information please login 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.