Increased Supply of Grown Cattle in a Volatile 2007
AUSTRALIA - Grown cattle accounted for 47 per cent of overall numbers at MLA’s NLRS reported saleyards in 2007, two per cent greater than 2006, according to figures release by Meat and Livestock Australia.
20 December 2007
1 minute read
Cows accounted for the greatest rise, lifting 11 per cent, while heifers increased 8 per cent, and grown steer numbers dropped by 13 per cent.
MLA said that seasonal conditions again influenced the supply of grown cattle, as continual dry conditions throughout the majority of the year, along with the high prices of supplementary feed, hampered the production and carrying capabilities of producers.
Cow supply peaked during May, only to reduce significantly again in June. Grown steers and heifers both reached their highest monthly total in November.
Export processors were faced with difficult conditions as they battled a strong A$ throughout the year. This placed added pressure on already reduced margins, influenced by weaker overseas demand.
Prices for Japan ox and medium weight cows reached their high points during August, with values reaching 184¢ and 133¢/kg, respectively. The average prices for the respective indicators during 2007 were 173¢ and 124¢/kg, which was four per cent below the 2006 average prices for both categories.
In recent weeks, the Japan ox price has shown only very slight variances and currently is 154¢/kg lwt, MLA added. The medium weight cow category on the other hand, has been making slight improvements since the end of October and currently is at 120¢/kg lwt.
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