Heifers Dominate the Feedlot Scene in NSW: What’s Driving the Trend?

There’s been a noticeable shift across many NSW and QLD feedyards this year with heifers taking over the pens in domestic grainfed programs. While it’s not uncommon for supermarket chains like Woolworths and Coles to have a solid proportion of heifers in their programs, right now some yards are feeding nothing but females.

The answer lies in the market and the gap between feeder steer and heifer prices that’s opened up over the past 12 months. With steers fetching significant premiums (particularly those destined for longer 100-day export programs), many supply chains are turning to cheaper heifers to fill domestic contracts, especially for the 60-70 day MSA-graded grainfed market.

From Central NSW northward, we’re seeing the same pattern emerge:

• Good northern seasons have encouraged many producers to take steers out to heavier weights for export.
• Restocker demand for heifers has eased.
• The economics of buying heifers for shorter domestic programs are more attractive even when factoring in some production downsides.

Pros and Cons of Feeding Heifers

Feeding heifers isn’t without challenges. Lower growth rates, smaller carcase weights, and a tendency to finish earlier (and sometimes fatter) than steers. There’s also the risk of pregnancy in the pen.

However, with price gaps between feeder weights hovering at 25-30c/kg liveweight in recent months, many buyers see value in the heifer proposition at least while these pricing conditions persist.

Lotfeeders and nutritionists across NSW are watching this closely. The market tells us that:

• Bigger-framed crossbred or Euro-influenced heifers are performing better in these programs.
• There’s a fine balance to be struck - too small and there’s a fat risk; too large and you miss grid specifications.
• No-HGP supply chains (such as Coles) are even trickier to manage without the ability to use implants to control fat deposition.

Impact on the Market in NSW

For many of our clients here at James Bradford Rural, the key question is - what does this mean for producers considering selling into the feedlot market this winter?

✅ Producers with quality British/Euro heifers are finding good demand in NSW feedlots, especially those targeting supermarket domestic programs.
✅ Buyers are being selective. Not every heifer will make the grade, but well-grown, sound, and structurally correct types are in demand.
✅ With export demand still strong, many feedlots continue to hold steers back for longer programs, keeping the heifer option attractive for shorter-fed domestic grids.

Looking Ahead

There’s been some talk that as price differentials narrow, this heavy reliance on heifers may ease slightly in the months ahead. But for now, especially here in NSW, heifers remain a key driver in domestic supermarket grainfed supply chains.

For producers, it’s a timely opportunity to assess what you’ve got in the paddock and where the market signals are pointing.

At James Bradford Rural, we’re always here to help clients navigate these trends and find the right market for their stock. If you’d like to chat about current feedlot demand or where best to place your steers and heifers this season , get in touch with the team.

Source: Beef Central

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