Australian Cattle Prices – Steers and Cows After 12 Months of Change

The past year has brought a noticeable change to the Australian cattle market and to the mood on many properties. After several seasons where margins were tight and decisions were cautious, prices for both steers and cows have climbed to levels that allow producers to plan with more confidence. The improvement has been steady rather than sudden, but it has changed the way people think about their operations. Twelve months ago a large share of heavy steers were selling around 360 to 380 cents per kilogram liveweight. Today the same class is more commonly 440 to 470 cents and at times higher when supply is short. Processor cows that were often 250 to 270 cents are now generally 340 to 370 cents. These moves may look small on paper yet they change the economics of every truckload. On a 620 kilogram steer the extra 90 cents can add more than 550 dollars. For cows the lift can be 400 dollars or more per head. When the value of each kilogram rises, the importance of accurate weighing through dependable cattle scales becomes obvious.

Steer and Cow Price Movement Over 12 Months

Table 1 – Steer Prices Across Regions (¢ per kg liveweight)

Source note Table 1 – Typical saleyard and grid ranges observed across eastern and southern Australia during the past 12 months, reflecting common trade rather than isolated highs.

Table 2 – Cow Prices Across Regions (¢ per kg liveweight)

Source note Table 2 – Processor cow indicators and major yard averages showing the recovery from the previous low cycle.

Table 3 – What Weight Accuracy Is Worth

Source note Table 3 – Calculations based on current steer values and typical weight gain in pasture systems.

Table 4 – Real Property Example

Source note Table 4 – Illustration of a common small to medium breeding operation across eastern Australia.

These comparisons explain why many producers now place cattle scales at the centre of yard work rather than treating them as an optional extra.

How Steer Markets Unfolded

Steers have been the engine of the recovery. In Queensland feeders averaged close to 380 cents through the middle of last year. By late summer this year grids were more often 450 to 465 cents, a rise of about one fifth. New South Wales followed the same road with central west and northern yards lifting from around 370 cents to the mid 440s. Restocker steers moved even further in districts blessed with rain. Where light steers were barely 320 cents last winter they were trading above 420 cents this year as competition for numbers returned. Heavy export steers above 600 kilograms strengthened from roughly 350 cents to the mid 440s and sometimes higher when processors chased kill space. Agents often comment that the spread between average and top pens has widened. Buyers are prepared to pay more for cattle with known weights and performance history, which again highlights the role of cattle scales in separating good lines from ordinary ones.

The Turn in Cow Values

Cows were the hardest hit group during the earlier downturn and the rebound has therefore felt dramatic. In many southern yards good heavy cows slipped to around 240 cents and lighter types struggled near 200 cents. Over the past year processor indicators have risen by roughly a third. Heavy three and four score cows that averaged 260 cents are now mostly 350 cents with better pens nudging 370 cents. Even plain cows have moved from around 210 cents to near 300 cents. This change has allowed breeders to cull on merit again instead of selling out of necessity. Accurate cattle scales help identify which cows are raising profitable calves and which are merely filling space.

Regional Detail Beyond the Headlines

Queensland has benefited from strong feedlot demand and generally kinder seasons. Feeder steers moved from about 380 cents to the mid 460s while processor cows rose from 260 cents to around 350 cents. Northern restocker activity pushed light steers from 320 cents to above 420 cents in some centres. Many producers across the Darling Downs and central districts say that cattle scales have become essential for capturing the value of extra kilograms grown on good pasture. New South Wales markets mirrored Queensland. Steers lifted from 370 cents to around 450 cents and cows from 250 cents to 350 cents. Buyers in northern NSW often ask for weigh data before bidding, a sign that confidence in cattle scales influences price. Victoria started from a slightly lower base but still improved strongly with heavy steers moving from 360 cents to the low 430s and cows from 240 cents to the low 330s. Good spring growth encouraged restockers to compete and many Victorian operators invested in new cattle scales to manage earlier turnoff weights. South Australia and Tasmania handle smaller volumes yet followed the same direction with steers up around 80 to 90 cents and cows up a similar margin. Export competition through Victorian processors flowed back into these local yards.

What the Lift Means on a Typical Property

The example in Table 4 shows how quickly cents turn into real dollars. Close to fifty thousand dollars extra income on a modest herd is a life changing figure for many families. Yet the same table also shows how fragile that gain can be if weights are not known accurately. At today’s prices a ten percent error wipes out more than half the benefit. Cattle scales therefore act as a form of insurance rather than a luxury purchase.

Yard Experiences From Producers

Stories from the yards illustrate the point better than theory. One family near Casino weighed a draft before sale and discovered the average was 28 kilograms lighter than expected. By holding the cattle another month they added the weight and at 455 cents increased returns by nearly 700 dollars per head. Another producer reviewed records from his cattle scales and found a group of older cows consistently weaning calves 40 kilograms below the herd average. Selling those cows at 350 cents funded younger replacements and improved the next calf drop without purchasing more land.

Preparing for the Next Twelve Months

Markets rarely travel in straight lines. Global supply may rise, interest rates could change and seasons will continue to test producers. If steer prices eased from the mid 460s back to around 400 cents, those with precise weights from cattle scales would still be able to hit profitable windows. Operators relying on eye estimates may miss them completely.

Practical Equipment for Real Yards

AgriEID works with producers across Australia who want tools suited to everyday conditions rather than complicated systems. Fast NLIS readers, Bluetooth connected cattle scales and easy livestock software help capture the value created by higher prices. With steers up from around 370 to 450 cents and cows from around 260 to 350 cents, the margin for error has never been smaller.

Further Information

To view a range of practical cattle scales, tag readers and livestock management tools suited to Australian conditions, visit the AgriEID home page at https://agrieid.com.au. Good markets may come and go, but precise weights and sound choices keep a cattle enterprise profitable through every turn of the cycle.