Compared to the final week of sales in 2008, the US cow price has weakened 6¢/kg, as market signals from the US continued to be uncertain and some Australian processors remained closed.

While US buyers are reportedly keen to replenish depleted stores of imported beef, the fluctuations in the value of $A are causing uncertainty for buyers.

Dry and very hot weather across most regions of southern Australia has seen many producers opting to offload sooner rather than later.

As a result, an increased supply of cows in southern markets is also impacting unfavourably on prices.

In contrast, the impact of the heavy rains across northern Queensland is expected to see a tightening in cow numbers over the coming weeks and months.

Cow prices in NSW this week slipped 4¢/kg, to 122¢/kg, while Queensland returns eased 2¢/kg, to 128¢/kg lwt.