Trade Steer

The Victorian Trade steer indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in Victoria, 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.   Young cattle prices rallied in the first half of the year before the poor season reduced restocker demand and caused an influx of young cattle.   Basis for trade steers in 2009 remained positive throughout most of 2009, with reduced volatility due to the weakness in northern young cattle prices. The financial crisis is continuing to impact beef markets with exports markets subdued and the Australian dollar strong.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the Vic Trade steer indicator.   2010 Vic Trade steer indicator charts Weekly Basis Monthly Basis Price

Medium Steer

The Victorian Medium steer indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in Victorian, 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 2009 price pattern resembled that of the past few years with prices rising in the first half of the year before falling away quickly in the second half of the year.   Basis for Victorian Medium steers was strong for much of the year due to increased domestic demand for heavy grass-fed cattle early in the year and very week young cattle prices later in the year. Medium steer prices are likely to remain low while the Australian dollar is strong; improving seasonal conditions should provide some support.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the Vic Medium steer indicator.   2010 Vic Medium steer indicator charts Weekly Basis Monthly Basis Price

Japan Ox

The Victorian Japan ox indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for steers sold in NLRS reported saleyards in Victorian, 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.   In 2009 Victorian Japan Ox prices showed usual fluctuations, but didn't hold the highs as long as usual in winter.   The Victorian focus on domestic markets may have helped basis remain strong, with domestic consumption increasingly resilient in the second half of 2009 relative to export markets. Improving seasonal conditions in the north should provide price support for both Victorian Japan Ox and the EYCI, but basis is likely to be weaker and move towards average in 2010.    Click here to read the Basis Summary Report for the Vic Japan ox indicator.   2010 Vic Japan ox indicator charts Weekly Basis Monthly Basis Price

US Cow

The Victorian US cow indicator is based on the average price paid by processors for cows sold in NLRS reported saleyards in Victorian, 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.   Cow prices were low along with the rest of the cattle market in early 2009 due to dry conditions, however rain in May and June restricted supply, supporting prices.   Basis maintained a steady pattern at strong levels during 2009 as cow prices were supported while the young cattle market suffered from dry conditions.   While the AUD remains strong, US Cow prices will struggle to make any gain on 2009 price levels.   Click here to read the full Basis Summary for the Vic US cow indicator.   2010 Vic US Cow Indicator charts Weekly Basis Monthly Basis Price