The weak and uncertain export market, combined with high cattle yardings, caused a significant fall in over-the-hooks cattle prices in Queensland and, to a lesser extent, NSW this week.
This weakness was also accentuated in saleyard selling in Queensland, with a number of northern processors looking to drop shifts and/or close early for the end-of-year maintenance.
National saleyard price averages, however, remained firm for young cattle, with stronger interest from restockers, feeders and, in the north, live exporters.
MLA's trade steer indicator remains unchanged on last week's, at 178c/kg liveweight.
Export cow prices were also solid, despite the export weakness, with recent rains maintaining restocker demand and tightening numbers.
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