Australian cattle markets face weather shifts and rising freight costs

The Australian cattle market is experiencing shifts in supply and pricing due to changing weather patterns and rising operational costs. Forecasts indicate significant rainfall for southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, which is expected to tighten supply and support cattle prices following a dry September.

Market analysis shows the price discount for northern finished cattle compared to southern cattle has narrowed significantly, dropping from 170¢/kg cwt to 31¢/kg since early September. However, rising diesel prices are increasing freight costs, potentially tightening margins for producers shipping cattle south.

In North Queensland, two large-scale cattle operations are scheduled for auction on November 18. The properties include Zara Station, a 22,787-hectare breeding and fattening operation near Hughenden, and the Strathelen & Rellum Park freehold aggregation, covering 20,521 hectares near Torrens Creek.