Northern Australian floods squeeze cattle supply

Spanish Market: Agriculture
02/04/25

Major flooding in Australia's western Queensland caused stock losses and logistic disruptions, which could support feeder steer prices.

Heavy rains of up to 500mm in the last seven days to 31 March have caused record flooding in some areas of central west and south-west Queensland, Bureau of Meteorology data show.

These regions account for about a fifth of the state's cattle population or close to 1.976mn head in 2021, according to the Australia Bureau of Statistics.

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) estimates 145,000 head of livestock are missing or dead because of the recent flooding, including 69,000 head of cattle. The QDPI predicts over 4,700km of private roads and 3,500km of fencing has been damaged, affecting paddock access and livestock mustering.

The supply squeeze could support prices of feeder steers, as multiple sale yard auctions planned for early April have been cancelled because of wet weather and insufficient numbers.

Sales at Charters Towers and Gracemere on 2 April were cancelled and the Blackall sale on 3 April is postponed until 10 April, according to local councils and livestock agents.

The Argus Australian northern feeder steer price was at 361A¢/kg on 27 March, up by 2A¢/kg on the week, but could rise further this week as processors bid for available stock at more easterly cattle sales.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts up to 25mm of rain on 2 April and 3 April in flood-affected regions, before declining to a 5mm maximum on 4 April, which could allow some waters to recede.

But major flood warnings are still in place for rising rivers in the state's southwest, despite lower rainfall. Mustering and road freight could be delayed for six weeks in the Channel Country of far western Queensland, according to a market participant.

Farmers in some flood-affected areas of Queensland can access freight subsidies of up to A$5,000 from the state government to transport livestock for restocking, which could speed up herd recovery.

By Grace Dudley

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04/04/25

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New tariffs could upend US tallow imports

03/04/25

New tariffs could upend US tallow imports

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Funding cuts could delay US river lock renovations

03/04/25

Funding cuts could delay US river lock renovations

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Ags prices caught up in tariff fallout

03/04/25

Ags prices caught up in tariff fallout

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Australian beef targeted by US' 10pc tariff

03/04/25

Australian beef targeted by US' 10pc tariff

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