Eastern Young Cattle Indicator

Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) is a benchmark index used in the Australian cattle market to measure the price of young cattle. It is widely regarded as a key indicator of the health and trends within the Australian beef industry. The EYCI is calculated and published by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Calculation

The EYCI is calculated based on a seven-day rolling average of young cattle prices from various saleyards across Eastern Australia. The cattle included in the EYCI are typically vealers and yearlings, which are young cattle that have not yet reached full maturity. The prices are weighted according to the number of cattle sold at each saleyard, ensuring that larger sales have a proportionately greater impact on the index.

Importance

The EYCI serves as a critical tool for producers, buyers, and analysts within the Australian cattle industry. It provides a transparent and consistent measure of market trends, helping stakeholders make informed decisions regarding the buying and selling of cattle. The index is also used to gauge the overall economic health of the Australian beef industry.

Factors Influencing the EYCI

Several factors can influence the EYCI, including:

• Seasonal conditions: Weather patterns and rainfall can affect pasture availability and cattle supply.
• Feed costs: The cost of feed can impact the profitability of raising young cattle.
• Export demand: International demand for Australian beef can drive prices up or down.
• Currency exchange rates: Fluctuations in the value of the Australian dollar can affect export competitiveness.

Related Pages

• Australian beef industry
• Meat & Livestock Australia
• Cattle farming in Australia
• Beef cattle breeds
• Livestock markets in Australia

See Also

• Western Young Cattle Indicator
• Cattle prices
• Agricultural indices