Kill drops on lower prices

The intake of bullocks dropped by 2,500 head after factories reduced prices by up to 6c/kg (2p/lb) last week with the heaviest losses in prices for the poorer graders.

Although the full impact of the reduction is disguised by cattle purchased the previous week, at higher prices, included in the kill for the week the average for R4L bullocks was down by 3c/kg (1p/lb) and the average for R4L heifers was down 2c/kg.

But the heaviest cuts were for O grade animals with the national average for O4L bullocks down 4c/kg (1.3p/lb) and the average for O3 heifers lower by 6c/kg (2p/lb).