May 31, 2013

With the recent rainfall slowing cattle numbers, Australia's total national monthly cattle supply in May declined 7% compared to April.

This was reported by Meat & Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service (MLA's NLRS).

Fewer (15%) cattle were also offered during May, on-year, which aside from the rain, is likely to be attributed to larger cattle numbers turned off earlier, due to the dry summer and autumn.

Offerings in Queensland declined significantly this month, with consignments back 20% compared to April. Roma store and Longreach were the main contributors to the decline, with Roma numbers back by around 4,000 head this week and Longreach only operating twice this month due to supply issues. Reports suggest producers are reassessing their stocking decisions in western regions, as winter herbage starts to establish, meaning some may decide to hold cattle through the cooler months in anticipation of the market improving in spring.   

New South Wales however, reported an increase, up 6% compared to April, with larger numbers of vealer and yearling cattle presented at most markets. The most notable increases in supply were at Dubbo, Casino and Wagga, up 53%, 43% and 15% respectively. Victoria followed a similar trend, lifting 6%, with Leongatha, Pakenham and Wodonga all reporting an increase in numbers. Consignments through South Australia declined 45%, as numbers dropped at Naracoorte and Mt Gambier, while Western Australia and Tasmania were relatively unchanged on-month.