There is an old Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times”, used ironically to suggest that uninteresting times are more life enhancing than interesting ones. It seems our friend Donald, would like to consign us to a lifetime of interesting times. After experiencing strong momentum...
A jump in throughput across the Eastern seaboard, particularly in NSW and Queensland, puts the heat on cattle prices this week with the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) shedding 3% to finish trading yesterday at 544¢/kg cwt. Losses were noted across the board for most...
One week down, the next week up. This has been a familiar pattern in recent times although this week the lift in the market was all due to currency movements. It was a tale of two markets, the opening day was where all the gains were...
Sheep and lamb prices continued a muted upward trend this week, with increases in values across all trade lamb indicators. Mutton values were also higher everywhere except WA, and restockers came back to the market for light lambs. Figure 1 shows that the Eastern States Trade...
Alpaca numbers in Australia are estimated to be between 170,000 and 450,000, with the higher estimate considerable in view that the sheep flock only numbers around 70 million. Wool ranging from 24 through to 26.8 micron is blended with alpaca. The combination of alpaca numbers...
Another week with red splashed across the board for the wool market. The price retractions were not as severe as last week, yet the further correction meant buyers were more selective with their purchases resulting in significant discounts or rewards for quality. Even on opening,...
It was steady as she goes for wheat and barley markets, while canola has been on the slide this week. In fact, canola basis weakened further and now sits at levels more expected during a bumper harvest, not a year of tighter supply Since the heavy fall...
The broad trend in East coast lamb and sheep slaughter numbers continue to be dominated by NSW and Victorian flows at the moment with a spike in lamb slaughter in the previous week, to levels well above normal, unable to dampen prices too vigorously. Similarly,...
It would seem those that were hanging out for stronger prices for young cattle have found them, and are taking full advantage. The only up to date supply data we have is Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) yardings, and they made a run this week. Figure...
It has been two months since we’ve had a look at short term slaughter forecasts. Recent heavy lamb and sheep slaughter rates brings us back to look at the theory that killing more stock now means fewer for later. But how many fewer, and what...