CATTLE markets were generally a little stronger across the eastern states this week as scattered, but useful, rains in north-east NSW and eastern Queensland gave producers some relief.
Yardings fell 20pc in NSW and 3pc in Queensland and restocker interest was a little stronger.
After falling enough to touch 300¢/kg last week, the eastern young cattle indicator (EYCI) bounced back to 306¢/kg cwt, but still 8pc lower than at the equivalent time last year.
Grown steer numbers are low in Queensland, as the season runs out, helping to shore up Japan ox prices, despite the Japanese recession and continued high $A.
The trade steer and feeder steer indicators both improved 2¢ to close at 167¢/kg and 162¢/kg respectively.
Japan ox went against the trend to slip 2¢ – to 158¢/kg.
US cow finished 3¢ stronger, at 119¢/kg.