Rural Real Estate: Why livestock performance drives property value
For many holdings, livestock productivity is central to both enterprise returns and marketability. Carrying capacity, class of stock, water security, seasonal timing, and marketing pathways all flow into profitability and, in turn, property value. That is why Elders aligns livestock and real estate, our teams work together to connect you with genuine buyers through national livestock and property networks. It is a joined-up approach that helps vendors present their operations at their best and helps buyers see the full potential from paddock to processor.
Cattle Market Update: August 2025 by Richard Koch
Aussie cattle prices have pushed sharply higher since early July, led by slaughter categories, as global beef values rally on strong demand and tighter US production.
Exports to the US are up 27% YTD and to China 51% YTD, with changing trade flows supporting HGP-free product.
Southern processors have competed hard for northern cattle, keeping plants near full capacity and lifting rates.
Cows show the best upside as the US herd rebuilds, Brazilian lean beef faces a 50% tariff into the US, and local cow supply tightens into year-end.
Feedlot margins are supported by lower grain and rising returns. Angus feeders are above $5/kg lw, with other feeder categories also firmer.
Restocker demand remains cautious until the southern season firms.
Market drivers
US demand is the key. Fed and manufacturing beef prices are near record levels as US slaughter falls, lifting global import demand for Australian lean beef. That is supporting heavy steers now and points to stronger cow values as US lean supplies tighten.
Feeders and feeding margins
Angus feeder steers: about $5.20–$5.30/kg lw
European-cross: $4.30–$4.40/kg lw
Flatbacks: $4.20–$4.30/kg lw
Supermarket contracts have lifted towards $9/kg cw and a $30–$40/t fall in grain costs is underpinning solid feedlot utilisation. Expect seasonal increases in northern feeder turnoff to cap further rises and narrow Angus premiums.
QLD/NT snapshot
Best bullocks about $3.66/kg lw and best cows about $3.44/kg lw in the yards; delivered north QLD cows and bullocks $3.60–$3.70/kg lw reported to southern processors.
Downs crossbred feeder steers $4.30–$4.40/kg lw; heavy Santa feeders at Stonehenge $4.27–$4.30/kg lw on-property.
Angus feeders around $5.30/kg lw with strongest results via AuctionsPlus; Dalby firm with stronger interest on lighter weights.
What it means for producers
Slaughter cattle: Positive bias into year-end if US demand holds. Keep an eye on processor space, but competition for suitable heavy stock remains solid.
Cows: Best near-term upside on tightening local supply and a shifting US import mix.
Feeders: Margins remain favourable. Consider category mix, including black baldy and Euro crosses, as premiums evolve and northern supplies lift.
Restockers: Stay tactical until spring breaks across the south. Pricing has run ahead of seasonal certainty.
If you want an integrated plan that links livestock performance to property value, or tailored paddock-to-processor or feedlot strategies in QLD/NT, contact your local Elders livestock and real estate team.