Analyst have noted an upward price trend for beef into South-East Asia including Indonesia. The Indonesian Australian Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) talks were completed with much fanfare at the end of August.

While this agreement offered many benefits to Australian exporters nothing is achieved until both governments sign off on this document.

This in reality may take considerable time. Indonesia is already making noises about cancelling certain aspects of the contract due to our government policy regarding the location of our embassy in Israel. Apparently, part of the document says Australia must supply one breeding animal to every five feed on beast.

At this point in time not one exporter even comes close to this arrangement. We await the first major audit with interest. Now back to the opening sentence.

Slaughter cattle prices to Indonesia have pushed above the AUD$4.00 barrier to be at the highest level since May 2017.

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Even with big numbers through July and August totalling some 130,000 head this still has not appeared to be enough to satisfy that countries demand for our beef.

September also saw very strong numbers from our shores go into their food chain.

All indications are that demand for fresh beef is on the rise possibly at the expense of frozen buffalo meat out of India.

Prices have also increased throughout Vietnam although analyst advise that they are stronger in the north than in the south.

Total import until the end of August are 15 per cent to higher standing at 132,000 head.

Feedlots although up on last month are still only at 60 per cent of capacity feeder steer rates ex Port of Darwin currently stand at $3.05/kg liveweight which under strong demand is considered to be in the moderate price range and should encourage continued demand.

China is also killing more cattle as they slowly but surely bring the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) under control.

China with half the world’s pig population have struggled to bring the ASF problem to heel.

Agents have seen Chinese supermarkets reduce their margins on beef to encourage their customers to consume more beef product.

Finally, the Philippines see their domestic economy surging ahead with an expanding middle class, rising employment leading to higher wages and increased protein consumption which augers well for an increase in live cattle to that country in the near future.

Dubbo Agents scanned 1550 head for the sale on Thursday, October 18. Another rain effected sale with approximately 200 more than last week.

Market extremely dear when compared to some recent outings. Personal highlight was plain restocker cows, big frames possibly 40c/kg stronger than recent markets. Dubbo Agents are holding a Store Cattle Sale tomorrow, October 19.

My reason for mentioning this is that the centre has struggled to get store sales off the ground in recent times. Troy complex hopes to yard 600 head. Full report next column.