Processor demand has pushed dairy cow prices sharply higher, with saleyard values up about 40% year‑on‑year as tighter supply meets strong domestic buying interest. According to industry stakeholders, most classes of dairy cattle, from heifers to Spring‑ and Autumn‑calving cows, are achieving expected or above‑expected prices.

Market data from Meat & Livestock Australia shows the dairy cow indicator at 341c/kg liveweight, down slightly week‑on‑week but still 96c/kg higher than a year ago. The surge is largely due to reduced supply, with year‑to‑date dairy cow yardings down 16% and at their lowest level for the first half of a year since 2004.