Cattle supply begins to tighten

The supply of cattle to the factories is beginning to show signs of tightening which if sustained should reduce the downward pressure on prices being paid to producers.

There was no change in the prices quoted by the processors yesterday for cattle, and while the intake of stock was at least adequate — and in most areas of the country a bit stronger than requirements — the overall figures are now beginning to show a slowing down in the supply.

Total intake at the factories last week was down by 1,100 head at 32,236 head. All of the decrease resulted from a drop in the supply of bullocks, which were down by 1,100 at 13,502 head which was 2,400 head less than the corresponding week last year.