Steadier trade for beef

There is optimism that the downward slide in beef prices is bottoming out this week after heavy losses over the past three weeks, with a steadier tone to returns for bullocks and heifers and an improvement in the trade for cows a good omen.

The supply of cattle appeared to be tightening yesterday which has helped to stall the price slide at the factories.

Most of the factories quoted 274 cents/kg (98p/lb) for R grade animals yesterday, but 3c/kg (1p/lb) more was generally attainable and deals were being done at 280c/kg (100p/lb).