Poor demand and falling prices for over-age cattle

TRADE for under 30 month-old cattle remained steady at the factories yesterday with prices unchanged from last week, as supplies on offer met the easing demand. But the talking point in the business was the poor demand and falling prices for over-age cattle.

Some factories did not quote for over age cattle for this week and told producers that they were not interested in buying the over 30 months animals because of the weak market situation and those taking the older stock reduced prices by a further 1p/lb.

Producers who did not avail of the sparkle in the trade two weeks ago to take 82p/lb for R grade over 30 months stock were not feeling very happy yesterday being offered 5p/lb less in a "take it or leave it" approach with plenty of supplies on offer to the factories.