Beyond the Saleyards: WA sheep prices stable as buyers return to saleyards

Direct sheep prices in WA are stable to higher after the Christmas holiday break. Saleyards are back in full swing this week, which should see the market settle. Export and air-freight lamb pricing are strong going into the new year, inferring demand is strong for Australian lamb. Further east, both South Australian and Victorian prices have risen a good 30-50¢/kg carcass weight recently. Flooding in Australia’s north has had a devastating impact on cattle stations, with stock losses expected in the thousands. While the weather is still patchy, the level of damage will remain unknown until the floodwaters subside. The first cattle sales of the year saw very light numbers in WA. Some recent demand for export bulls added to the demand, but a number of usual buyers are yet to return to the yards. While 2022 was an extremely low year for beef exports, MLA expects 2023 to rebound with predictions sitting at 1.065 million tonnes. A large factor in the low 2022 figures is the downturn in demand from USA after crippling droughts caused slaughter rates to soar, leading to an oversupply of domestic beef. Processor and feedlot market bids at the start of the week (¢/kg or $/head): ● WA market indices: Feeder steers 504¢, feeder heifers 470¢, export bulls 452¢. ● SA market indices: Vealer heifers 458¢, vealer steers 467¢, yearling steers 456¢, yearling heifers 454¢. ● East coast processor prices: MSA: steers 735¢, heifers 730¢. Cows 650¢. Jap Ox: steers 705¢, bulls 490¢. ● Queensland feedlots: Black Angus: 500¢, Black Angus British X: POA, Wagyu X Angus: POA. For saleyard reports and prices as soon as they are released, download the Agora Livestock Markets app through the app stores or visit our website 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