Ag Newsletter - 9 June 2026
Markets:
Cattle - Recent widespread rain has completely flipped the script at the saleyards. Total cattle yardings dropped by 6% last week to just under 68,000 head, and that tighter supply—combined with a renewed confidence in pasture—fired up buyer competition. Restockers drove the market, pushing the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator up by a solid 5.3% to average 540¢/kg lwt. The National Young Cattle Indicator (NYCI) also had a strong week, gaining 4% to land at 522¢/kg lwt. Feeder heifers followed suit with a 5% jump to 481¢/kg lwt, while heavy steers were the only category to ease slightly, down just 1% to 452¢/kg lwt. On the processing side, overall cattle slaughter dipped 2% for the week, but if you look at the year-on-year figures, processing volume is still historically high across the eastern states—especially in NSW, which is running 12% higher than this time last year. Source: MLA
Sheep and Lambs Supply tightened significantly as we headed into the first week of winter. Lamb yardings were down by 19%, and sheep yardings dropped by 24%, which really put a floor under prices. The Mutton Indicator shattered previous records, skyrocketing to 857¢/kg cwt. Processors are bidding fiercely for a limited pool of sheep as producers choose to hold onto stock for the winter months. Meanwhile, heavy lambs gained another 1% to average 1,132¢/kg cwt, with NSW yards commanding the top premium at 1,148¢/kg cwt. Merino lambs held steady at 1,111¢/kg cwt, though that is still sitting 8% higher than this time last month. Interestingly, despite smaller yardings at the auctions, actual processor throughput lifted, with lamb slaughter up 2% and mutton processing jumping 22% week-on-week. Source: MLA
Cropping:
Northern Sowing Halts as Excess Rain Creates Winter Seeding Delays - While early autumn rain rehydrated parched soil profiles, recent deluges across northern New South Wales and southern Queensland have flipped the cropping landscape from drought-relief to waterlogged delays. Agricultural consulting reports indicate that the latest rain bands have delivered "too much of a good thing," leaving paddocks entirely traffic-prohibitive. Broadacre growers are facing extended delays getting back into fields to finalize their winter cereal seeding programs. Conversely, the Bureau of Meteorology's long-range winter forecast continues to model a drier-than-average trend for later in the season due to lingering El Niño dynamics, prompting growers to aggressively target closing windows the moment topsoils dry out. Source: Grain Central| BOM
Latest video drop from Drover Ag
Machinery:
NHVR Warns Primary Producers on Delayed Vehicle Maintenance Risks - The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urgently reminding primary producers that rising operational costs and seasonal pressures must not compromise heavy vehicle safety. Following a major defect notice issued to a primary producer in Queensland for severe brake faults, the regulator warned that operating unroadworthy machinery—even exclusively for on-farm or seasonal work—poses a critical risk to all road users. The NHVR strongly advises operators to conduct thorough mechanical inspections prior to the season starting and to utilise the updated 2026 Master Code to effectively manage transport hazards. Source: NHVR
Water:
Flood Plain Harvesting Forces Cattle Off-Farm - According to a recent ABC News report, floodplain harvesting practices in the Murray-Darling region are condemning some producers to permanent drought conditions and forcing some producers to move their cattle off-farm. Source: ABC News
Upcoming Industry Events:
Ag-Grow Emerald Field Days June 18–20, 2026 | Emerald, QLD - A major central Queensland regional event showcasing broadacre and cattle innovations, machinery, and paddock technology. READ MORE
Mitchell Power Memorial Quick Shear June 20, 2026 | Bombala, NSW - An annual quick shear competition that brings the community together to raise critical awareness for mental health in rural sectors. READ MORE
WAFarmers Grains & Livestock Conference June 25–26, 2026 | Albany, WA - A two-day producer forum focused on mitigating supply disruptions and managing risk, featuring exclusive local farm tours. Ticket link below
LambEx 2026 - July 7–10, 2026, Adelaide Convention Centre, SA. Australia’s premier biennial sheep, lamb, and wool conference, featuring industry speakers, the AMPC Carcase Showcase, and the Coles Trailblazers emerging leaders program. Come and meet the Drover Ag Team Program and Details
Australian Sheep & Wool Show July 17–19, 2026 | Bendigo, VIC - The world's largest event of its type, featuring up to 3,000 competing sheep, shearing competitions, and 400 agricultural trade sites. MORE INFO
Latest NEW jobs from the Drover Ag Jobs Board
Head Stockperson - Beef Backgrounding | Rockhampton, Qld APPLY NOW
Machinery Operator & Truck Driver | Augathella, Qld APPLY NOW
Station Hand Positions - Cutting Edge Cattle | Rolleston, QLD APPLY NOW
Farm Hand - Mixed Cropping & Livestock | Young, NSW APPLY NOW
