Slight gains as cattle trade firms up

Marts: Cattle numbers for the factories are tightening, the downward pressure on prices has eased, and returns are showing slight gains as the trade continues to firm up.

The processors are not conceding publicly that they are paying more for cattle — officially quoted prices were unchanged yesterday — but the reality is that there was more competition between factories for cattle and, with fewer available, it has strengthened the hand of producers to secure deals at higher prices.

AIBP (Nenagh) is emerging as one of the strongest buyers in the south with reports of deals at 109p-110p/lb for R grade bullocks. The factory is also a keen competitor for heifers and paying at least the same and in some deals a little more than for the bullocks. This price range is akin to the going rates in the Midlands and northern regions. Across the south there are very few animals being bought for less than 108p/lb with prices edging towards 109p/lb for quality R’s where supplies are tightest. In the east around 109p/lb, and in some deals a little more, is being paid. Midlands and northern regions are returning 109p and upwards to just over 110p/lb, the prices hardest moving northwards. Prices for O grade are ranging 105p-108p/lb — the higher prices in the northern half.