This article describes and analyses the marketing practices and constraints of beef cattle producers in lowland and upland sites in East Java as part of a study to improve the reproductive performance of cows and the performance of fattening cattle in low input systems in Indonesia. The research uses data gathered from a survey of 184 smallholder cattle producers and 30 cattle traders in 2010. The study found that most farmers sold to village collectors, who mostly paid in cash. Subsequent marketing costs and risks were therefore borne by the traders. While some farmers used a regular trader, others varied their choice depending mainly on the price offered. In general, prices appeared to be competitively determined. There was no obvious difference between upland and lowland locations, suggesting a well-integrated regional market. The authors conclude that the subsequent movement of cattle to fattening operations and to slaughterhouses will be a crucial aspect of future research.