Northern Territory Country Hour NT Country Hour
Sep 12, 2025
Wade Christensen, a cattle expert from Kimball Livestock Exchange, shares his insights on soaring US cattle prices and their impact on Australia. Meanwhile, Rebecca Francis, a butcher at Eva Valley Meats, passionately discusses ethical animal handling and the importance of paddock-to-plate practices. They explore the evolving dynamics of the agricultural industry, highlighting the shift towards horticulture as a leading sector. The conversation reveals challenges faced by producers and the significance of sustainability in modern farming.
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US Cattle Prices Driven By Tight Supply
- US feeder steer prices reached record highs due to extremely tight supply and strong demand for high-quality beef.
- Wade Christensen links low herd numbers and high buyer competition to rapidly rising prices and sector risks.
Herd Rebuild Faces Structural Limits
- High US feeder steer prices reflect demand for grass yearlings with rapid compensatory gain potential.
- Christensen warns herd rebuild looks slow due to land use changes, aging owners and high replacement costs.
Exploit Low Feed Costs When Finishing
- Monitor feed and input costs because cheap feed can offset high stock prices during finishing.
- Use low feed costs to maximise compensatory gain when buying grass-fed yearlings.