Prices Falter as the Market Panics Despite Red-Hot Beef Exports
Australian Cattle and Beef Market ReportShow Notes
Returning to markets, Ripley explains the key drivers and themes of the beef industry’s current market easing cycle, with producer emotion, cost of fuel and freight, dry to drought conditions, and higher supply all contributing to pressure markets. He then considers where Angus feeder cattle prices could reach in the winter of 2026 and what will be the driver of their strong premiums over crossbred cattle. Finally, Ripley breaks down an exceptional March 2026 beef export results and considers what driving factors are behind such a large volume this early in the season. StoneX Financial Pty Ltd (ACN 141 774 727) holds an Australian Financial Service License (AFSL: 345646) for Dealing in Securities, Exchange-Traded Derivatives Contracts, OTC Derivatives Contracts and Foreign Exchange Contracts, and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. ‘StoneX’ is the trade name used by StoneX Group Inc. and all its associated entities and subsidiaries. The views, opinions of the presenters are solely their own and do not in any way reflect the views, opinions, endorsements or recommendations of STONEX. STONEX is the trade name used by STONEX GROUP INC. and all its associated entities and subsidiaries. StoneX Group Inc. provides financial services worldwide through its subsidiaries, including physical commodities, securities, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives, risk management, global payments and foreign exchange products in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdictions where services are provided. Information and material presented is for educational purposes only and does not constitute any form of investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to invest in any financial instrument. This information provided is prepared by STONEX and is intended for general circulation. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. You should take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs before making a commitment to invest, including seeking advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit. Representations of past performance are in no way an indication of future performance and such representations have not been verified by StoneX. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or material presented. The presentation herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. No responsibility is accepted by StoneX for any loss or damage arising in any way (including due to negligence) from anyone acting or refraining from acting as a result of this information or material. Reproduction or use in any format without authorization is forbidden. © 2026 StoneX Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.
More from Australian Cattle and Beef Market Report
This week, Ripley Atkinson, Australian Meats & Livestock Manager at StoneX, examines the forces behind the cattle market, unpacking key drivers across parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory, as well as New South Wales. Ripley discusses how an impending storm system due this week for large parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland could motivate producer confidence while boosting market activity. He also covers the slump of confidence from New South Wales producers and how slaughter numbers may rebound in Q4 under continued demand from China and South Korea. To cap off, Ripley unpacks the price spreads between Flatbacks and Southern & Northern Angus feeder cattle, including what these could signify from a demand perspective.
Pricing pressure is building across livestock markets as dry conditions persist and producer confidence softens. In this week’s episode Ripley Atkinson, Australian Meats & Livestock Manager at StoneX, unpacks the growing challenges facing restockers, the impact of reduced participation from southern buyers, and what elevated freight costs mean for feeder cattle prices and broader market dynamics. Listen in for a wide-ranging discussion on the trends shaping the market and the outlook ahead.
This week, Ripley Atkinson provides his views on key drivers influencing the Australian cattle markets – specifically, how weather continues to shape market sentiment. As weather events continue to influence producer confidence and price direction, Ripley explores the shifts in performance, and what it could mean for months ahead with the changing seasonal conditions. Ripley caps off with considerations on how Angus feeder prices are performing and identifies potential drivers of why the market in Northern NSW has remained strong – particularly, due to a lack of supply and the China demand effect. This, and more covered in wide-ranging markets chat this week.
© 2025 StoneX Group Inc. all rights reserved.
© 2026 StoneX Group Inc. all rights reserved.