The ongoing hot and dry conditions throughout Queensland and northern NSW continued to see young cattle demand weaken.

The eastern young cattle indicator (EYCI) has fallen by 7¢/kg for the week, to finish on Thursday at 302.25¢/kg cwt – the lowest level since mid-February.

National indicators for the heavier categories eased by 1¢/kg on last week's, with Japan ox finishing 13pc below that of the corresponding period last year, at 292¢/kg cwt.

While little respite from the higher $A is anticipated, forecasts for much needed rain across a wide region of southern Queensland in the coming week may help to halt the recent price slide there.

Sheep and lambs higher:

While the spring flush continues for lambs, prices edged higher for most categories, underpinned by stronger markets in NSW and SA.

Smaller lamb offerings in both NSW and SA contributed to a lift in prices across both states this week, as the national heavy lamb price lifted 8¢/kg, to jump back above 400¢/kg.

Robust domestic and export demand continues to hold lamb prices well above those of last year.

The national mutton indicator this week remains 86pc above that of the corresponding week last year.

The spring flush of new season lambs is now in full swing across the majority of the eastern states markets reported by MLA’s NLRS. During October (to date), young lambs have comprised 75pc of the total lambs offered.

In line with the usual spring trend, trade weights (18-22kg cwt) have dominated October markets, however, compared with last month, there has been a shift in the distribution across the various weight ranges.

The most significant change witnessed has been the increased proportion of heavy trade and heavy lambs.

New season lamb yardings have been higher this October, increasing 47pc year-on-year. NSW has supplied the majority of the new season lambs, while lamb numbers in Victoria are gaining momentum each week.

Lower numbers of light lambs (which are generally suitable for restockers and feeders), has helped keep their prices over $70/head during October – 32pc higher year-on-year.