Extreme Weather Disrupts Australian Cattle and Sheep Trade
Extreme Heat Disrupts Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets
Unseasonal extreme heat across eastern Australia caused widespread saleyard closures this week, significantly disrupting livestock market reporting and weighing on price indicators.
According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), multiple major saleyards were cancelled as animal welfare was prioritised, including sites in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The closures, combined with the Australia Day public holiday, resulted in reduced yardings and less reliable indicator data.
Cattle market
All cattle indicators declined during the week, largely due to reduced saleyard activity rather than a deterioration in underlying demand. The Processor Cow, Feeder Steer and Feeder Heifer Indicators were most affected, with declines of up to 5,000 head limiting buyer competition and amplifying price volatility.
MLA said indicators are expected to stabilise once a full seven-day reporting period resumes in early February.
Despite market disruption, national cattle slaughter reached 143,640 head in the week ending 23 January, running 2% higher year-on-year, suggesting herd numbers remain resilient and that flooding in northern regions has had limited impact on processing throughput so far.
Sheep and lamb market
Lamb prices lifted overall, while mutton values softened. Reduced throughput saw lamb categories selling direct to slaughter – including heavy, trade and light lambs – largely insulated from saleyard disruption.
Lamb slaughter reached 440,000 head, up 10% on the same period in 2024, though below last year’s seasonal peak. Mutton slaughter remained subdued at 158,000 head, reinforcing signals that producers are retaining breeding ewes amid strong prices.
Currency pressure
MLA also highlighted currency headwinds, with the Australian dollar strengthening by 5% against the US dollar since early January. The appreciation may weigh on export competitiveness and limit processors’ ability to lift livestock prices further down the supply chain.
Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | 30 January 2026
Attributed to Stephen Bignell, MLA Manager – Market Information