MLA/SFE Cattle Futures

MLA logoMLA/SFE Cattle Futures provide all beef industry participants, including producers, lotfeeders, processors, retailers and exporters, with a tool to manage exposure to cattle price volatility.

The MLA/SFE Cattle Futures Contract is sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia Limited (MLA) and traded on the Sydney Futures Exchange. 

What is the need?

Prior to the listing of MLA/SFE Cattle Futures, Australian beef producers have been limited in ways they could protect their income from market declines. Lotfeeders and processors also had limited alternatives to manage their exposure to stronger cattle prices. As a result the Australian supply chain has managed the risk by taking limited forward positions and avoiding long term supply agreements at a known price.

As the North Asian markets for beef become more competitive, Australia's beef industry may feel the need to address existing supply chain inefficiencies and look to structure longer term supply relationships throughout the supply chain and ulitmately with  domestic and international consumers. MLA/SFE Cattle Futures presents an opportunity for the industry to progress current marketing arrangements.

Getting started

Education

An understanding of what futures are and how they can be used is required to fully appreciate the benefits of MLA/SFE Cattle Futures. The following link contains relevant information to explain the principles involved.

Workshops

Since inception in 2002, MLA's Edgenetwork Training Programme has been attended by in excess of 500 people. The workshops have been held in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Market Updates

MLA produces a weekly email Cattle Futures Update that details the trading activity for the week. If you would like to register for this email please contact ASX.

Market Quotes: Price, Volume, Chart

Contract Specifications

What is the EYCI?

The MLA/SFE Cattle Futures contract is based on the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI). The EYCI is a seven-day rolling and weighted average price of prime young cattle sales in 24 auction centres across Queensland, NSW and Victoria. Cattle included in the indicator are vealer and yearling heifers and steers, with weights from 200kg.

More information on the EYCI can be found on the MLA website.

Market Information

  • Historical Price Charts (coming soon)
  • Market Statistics (coming soon)

Trading Information

Code Information

Information for Brokers