Trade Steer

The Queensland Trade steer indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in Queensland, weighing 330 - 400 kg live weight, with muscle score C and fat score 3. It represents cattle that will be slaughtered for domestic supermarket trade.   The Queensland trade steer price rallied from relatively low levels in May due to good rainfall, however the dry winter and spring caused producers to turn off cattle in large numbers in last 2009.   Trade steer basis was relatively flat through 2009 with the seasonality factor reduced by the dry start, wet middle and dry end to the year. Trade steer prices are likely to be a little subdued along with the rest of the market however basis will be supported.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the Qld Trade steer indicator.   2010 Qld Trade steer indicator charts Weekly Basis Monthly Basis Price

Medium Steer

The Queensland Medium steer indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in Queensland, weighing 400 - 500 kg live weight, with muscle score C and fat score 3. It represents cattle that are suitable for the grass-fed export beef market; particularly in Korea.   Queensland Medium steer prices fell to near 6 year lows late in 2009 as dry pasture conditions and the strong Australian dollar conspired to reduce demand and quality of Medium steers in the market.   Wet conditions in the north during May and June caused basis to rise to very strong levels while the dry spring saw basis ease to average. The strong AUD will suppress prices and basis for QLD Medium steers somewhat during 2010.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the Qld Medium steer indicator.   2010 Qld Medium steer indicator charts Weekly Basis Monthly Basis Price

Japan Ox

The Queensland Japan ox indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in Queensland, weighing 500 - 600 kg live weight, with muscle score C and fat score 4. It represents cattle that are suitable for the grass-fed export beef market; particularly in Japan.   QLD Japan ox prices fell from July 2009 onwards as the strong AUD and the dry spring caused demand to fall and supply to increase.   The dry start and finish to the year combined with the wet middle removed much of the seasonal factor from the Japan ox basis meaning the trend was quite flat throughout the year. The strong AUD and reduced export demand from north Asia will continue to impact price and basis in 2010.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the Qld Japan ox indicator.   2010 Qld Japan ox indicator charts Weekly Basis Monthly Basis Price

US Cow

The Queensland US cow indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for cows sold in NLRS reported saleyards in Queensland, weighing 400 - 520 kg live weight, with muscle score D and fat score 3. It represents cull cows that are suitable for the US grinding beef market.   Queensland cow prices remained relatively steady through 2009 although there was a small rally in June when rain increased restocking demand.   With the strong AUD and low milk price, cow prices have been lower than recent years, however basis has remained close to average as the young cattle market has also experienced lower prices.   Strengthening milk prices and improved seasons should support price and basis in 2010.   Click here to read the full Basis Summary for the Qld US cow indicator.   2010 Qld US Cow Indicator charts Weekly Basis Monthly Basis Price