What’s Happening?
Queensland cattle markets have strengthened following widespread October rainfall, with reduced livestock supply contributing to higher prices across Australia’s eastern cattle markets.
According to Bendigo Bank Agribusiness’ October 2026 Monthly Commodity Update, heavy rainfall restricted livestock transport and access to saleyards in parts of Queensland.
The disruption reduced the number of cattle reaching the market, while improved seasonal conditions helped lift producer confidence and support stronger prices.
Why It Matters
The price gains follow a period of dry conditions across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, where the return of rainfall has improved the seasonal outlook.
Bendigo Bank reports that both regions received more than 25 millimetres of rain during the week ending 21 October, helping restore confidence after earlier dry conditions.
However, the wet weather also created transport challenges, limiting livestock movements and contributing to tighter market supply.
Local Impact
Queensland cattle yardings fell sharply during October as heavy rainfall affected livestock movements and saleyard access.
Some parts of the state received more than 100 millimetres of rain, with highway closures and restricted access to selling facilities limiting cattle offerings. With fewer cattle available for sale, the reduced supply contributed to upward pressure on prices alongside improved producer sentiment.
The trend is already evident at Moreton Saleyards in Purga, near Ipswich, which serves South East Queensland’s cattle industry.
Its 20 October market report recorded strong demand for feeder cattle, heifers and cows following rainfall across the region. Buyers faced strong competition for available livestock, while agents reported particularly firm demand for quality cattle.
The regional developments are also relevant to Redlands Coast, where livestock breeding remains part of the rural economy.
Redland City Council’s rural planning framework identifies livestock breeding, poultry farming and niche horticulture among the area’s rural activities.
For producers around Mount Cotton, Sheldon and surrounding rural areas, stronger regional demand could offer opportunities when selling suitable livestock.
However, Bendigo Bank’s report does not provide specific cattle prices for Redland City.
By The Numbers
- 13,630 head: Queensland cattle yardings for the week ending 18 October 2026, compared with more than 20,000 head in each of the previous six weeks.
- 528 cents/kg: National Young Cattle Indicator, up from 470 cents/kg at the end of September.
- 479 cents/kg: National Heavy Steer Indicator, exceeding its previous record of 471 cents/kg in October 2021.
Zoom In
The recent price increases have been evident across both young cattle and finished stock, indicating broader strength in the cattle market.
Bendigo Bank reports that the National Young Cattle Indicator reached 22.8 per cent above its five-year average, reflecting a significant recovery from September levels.
Meanwhile, the National Heavy Steer Indicator rose from 455 cents/kg to a record 479 cents/kg over the preceding couple of weeks.
The improvement across both categories comes as seasonal conditions and livestock availability continue to influence market activity.
The Moreton Saleyards report provides a closer look at how the changing market is affecting regional livestock sales. Following the October rainfall, agents Boyd O’Brien Bartholomew described particularly strong competition for feeder and backgrounder cattle.
“The store market went from strength to strength,” the agents reported.
Some buyers were unable to secure cattle, while heavy cows and bulls also attracted stronger prices.
The report noted that certain slaughter cow prices were potentially 10 to 15 cents per kilogram higher. These conditions show how improved rainfall and limited cattle availability can quickly influence local livestock sales
Zoom Out
Looking beyond October, rainfall forecasts remain an important consideration for Australia’s cattle industry.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s November outlook, cited by Bendigo Bank, indicates wetter-than-average conditions across large parts of the northern growing regions.
Bendigo Bank expects favourable rainfall to support producer sentiment and cattle prices, provided significant flood damage is avoided.
The bank also identifies the scheduled reset of China’s export quota in January as another development influencing the market outlook.
What To Look For Next?
The cattle market’s next movements will depend partly on how seasonal conditions affect livestock supply and producer confidence.
Further rainfall could support sentiment in previously dry areas, although excessively wet conditions may continue to create transport and access challenges.
Bendigo Bank expects wetter seasonal conditions and the approaching Chinese export quota reset to help maintain cattle market momentum through the final quarter of 2026.
