Trade Steer

The South Australian Trade steer indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in South Australia, 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.   In 2009 prices followed the usual trend closely from autumn onwards, after an early fall due to the financial crisis.   Basis for trade steers in South Australia fluctuated around the average during 2009, being low in autumn and early winter, and stronger than average for much of the second half of the year.  Young cattle prices are likely to remain depressed for at least the first half of 2010, with basis in SA likely to be weak to average.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the SA Trade steer indicator.

Medium Steer

The South Australian Medium steer indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in South Australia, 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.   The price of South Australian Medium steers fell early in the year as the financial crisis depressed export beef demand, but followed the usual seasonal pattern from autumn onwards.   Medium steer basis was strong throughout 2009, with comparatively strong demand for heavy slaughter cattle and better seasonal conditions in SA.    Prices should start out higher in 2010, with basis weakening in the first quarter due to northern yards driving the EYCI higher due to rainfall.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the SA Medium steer indicator.

Japan Ox

The South Australian Japan ox indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in South Australia, 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.   After falling early in 2009 due to weakening beef export prices, SA Japan Ox prices followed the seasonal trend, weakening over the last quarter of 2009.   Low cattle turnoff from feedlots, along with dry conditions in northern markets weakening the EYCI, supported Japan Ox basis at very high levels for the second half of 2009. . The coming year should see Japan Ox prices similar to those of 2009, with basis remaining strong relative to the last 5 years.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the SA Japan ox indicator.

US Cow

The South Australian US cow indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for cows sold in NLRS reported saleyards in South Australia, 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.   The financial crisis pushed young cattle prices lower early in 2009, dragging cow prices with it.   Weakness in north Asian export markets, and consumer's preference towards cheaper cuts saw strong cow basis for all of 2009.   SA Cow prices will strengthen from late 2009 lows early in 2010, although basis may be weaker due to rain in northern markets.   Click here to read the full Basis Summary for the SA US cow indicator.