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27 Jun 2025

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market: Weekly Insights

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market: Prices Hold Steady Amid Strong Slaughter Volumes

The Australian cattle and sheep market remained active during the week ending 27 June 2025. According to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), cattle prices held steady while lamb prices eased slightly. The market was shaped by strong processing demand, seasonal changes in livestock quality, and record slaughter volumes.

Cattle Market Performance

The Australian cattle market showed resilience, with prices supported by firm demand across key categories.

  • The Restocker Steer Indicator rose by 11 cents to 391 cents per kilogram liveweight.
  • The Restocker Heifer Indicator fell by 9 cents to 312 cents per kilogram liveweight.
  • The Processor Cow Indicator increased by 9 cents to 291 cents per kilogram liveweight, with prices reaching 360 cents per kilogram at Dubbo.
  • National cattle slaughter reached 153,442 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019. Victoria and New South Wales recorded significant increases.

Sheep and Lamb Market Trends

The Australian sheep market experienced softer pricing, particularly for lambs, due to declining quality and selective buying.

  • The Heavy Lamb Indicator dropped by 32 cents to 1,028 cents per kilogram carcase weight.
  • The Trade Lamb Indicator also declined, reflecting reduced demand for midweight lambs.
  • The Mutton Indicator fell by 28 cents to 644 cents per kilogram carcase weight, with quality issues affecting prices at major saleyards.
  • Lamb slaughter rose to 445,799 head, while sheep slaughter declined to 159,701 head. This represents an 8 per cent year-on-year decrease in sheep slaughter.

Market Outlook

The Australian cattle and sheep market continues to balance strong processor demand with seasonal shifts in supply and quality. While cattle prices remain stable, lamb and mutton values are under pressure due to variable quality and buyer caution.

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Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia 

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