WEATHER and logistics problems aside, there’s been little change in direct consignment slaughter cattle rates in large areas of eastern Australia this week, as more export processors re-commence their 2026 seasons.

Most Queensland grids are identical to the week before, and indeed have changed little so far in 2026 since late trading in December. Some northern processor groups are yet to issue grids for 2026, still working through a backlog of grainfed cattle.

The big impact north of the border has been on logistics, with flooding and road closures in beef heartland areas of Central Queensland, and further north around Richmond and Julia Creek in Northwest Queensland. The major Flinders Highway between the two towns remains closed, causing long detours via Winton.

Further south, Rockhampton is expecting Fitzroy River flood levels around 7.5m in coming days, which may further disrupt slaughter cattle supply.

Many Queensland processors this week are playing tetrus, substituting booked cattle delayed by access issues with others, including Downs grainfed and grass cattle heading long distances to fill slaughter slots in Central and North Queensland.

Recent trade access developments including new China quotas and tariffs on imported meat are yet to be reflected in slaughter cattle pricing, but the general feeling is that there will be plenty of killable cattle about in Queensland once conditions start to dry out.

While it is risky to read too much into the current week’s grid offers given the circumstances described above, set out below are some representative over-the-hooks quotes. Several operators suggested these would probably have been 10c/kg lower, except for the current rain impact on supply.

Several southern Queensland plants have active offers this week of 750c/kg on good quality heavy cows, and 830c/kg on four-tooth grass ox (840c available for HGP-free in some grids). Both are similar to late last year, with cows easing 10c from 760c in mid-December.

Central Queensland plants are 10c behind those rates.

Further south, direct consignment prices are also similar to late-season rates last year.

A large operator in southern NSW has offers this week of 730c/kg on good heavy cows and 830c/kg on four-tooth grass ox, but stressed that it already had considerable numbers on the books.

In Eastern regions of South Australia, some plants have stopped quoting due to solid supply, but best recent offers were 790c/kg on good cows and 840c the steer, both back 10c on late last year.

Rapid return for national kills

Weekly slaughter activity statistics have now returned for the year, showing a rapid response in operations following the holiday break for some operators.

National adult cattle kills for the week ended 16 January reached 138,344 head, up about 6000 head on the same week last year. That’s clearly responding to the strong international demand for beef that exists across North and South Asia, North America and elsewhere.

Most states showed a solid rise in activity, with Queensland’s kill at 61,000 head up 1800 head on the week before, as more plants got back to work. The NSW kill lifted 6100 head on the previous week to 37,348 head, while Victoria jumped 2300 to just short of 27,000.

Saleyards trend softer

Early physical sales held this week have mostly shown a softening trend for heavier cattle.

Gunnedah sale this morning yarded 4100, up about 20pc on last week. Feeder steers were up to 30c cheaper while feeder heifers were 15-20c/kg softer. Grown steers and heifers were up to 25c cheaper with the prime grown steers selling from 414-486c/kg. Secondary cows were close to firm while the prime heavyweights were 16c/kg cheaper. Scores 2 and 3 sold from 300-379c while the prime heavy weights sold from 360-400c to average 386c/kg.

Wodonga yarded 2300 this morning, up 10pc on last week. Demand from domestic and export processors was described as ‘patchy.’ Trade steers made from 425-472/kg. Trade heifers sold to a small group of processors with quite a few purchased by feedlots, the bulk selling from 410-444c/kg.  Heavy steers sold 45c cheaper making from 420-448c/kg. Bullocks bore the brunt of the weaker demand slipping 57c making from 405-435c/kg. Heavy cows were well supplied, with the better heavy cows making from 380-419c/kg. Leaner D3 types less than 520kg were mixed, selling from 318-366c/kg.