CATTLE prices continued to ease this week, towards a seasonal end-of-year low, and there's no relief in sight from the weak global export scene with the $A pushing through US92¢ overnight.
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) says cattle market activity remains flat.
Producers are withholding cattle where they can, while export processors have cut shifts and kill days.
As a result, this week saw some significant declines in trade and feeder cattle prices in Victoria and Queensland.
Currently, the MLA says feeders look well priced for the domestic butcher and foodservice market (down 10pc on last year's), given that feed costs are also 12-40pc lower than last year's (and 50pc below those of 2007) and that retail beef prices are holding firm.
However, feeding for export continues to be held back by the 30pc fall in export prices (in $A fob) to Japan.
Lamb prices falling to a seasonal low
Lamb markets are also falling towards a seasonal low, as the spring lamb flush is now in full swing.
Heavy and trade lamb prices fell 5pc this week, as supplies are high in these grades – reflecting the strong prices, mild winter and generally good pasture and grain supplies.
The $A rise is also weighing on export lamb prices. Still, lamb prices range between 9pc higher than last year's for heavy export lambs to 25pc higher for light, Merino and restocker grades.
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