Further weakening in cattle prices

Marts: Although the factories continue to pay over the quoted prices for cattle, 6c/kg (2p/lb) has now been wiped off the average price in two weeks.

The margin over quoted prices narrowed to around 4c/kg (1.3p/lb) as the average dropped by a further 3c/kg (1p/lb) at the processors last week, as the supply of cattle on par with 2006 weakened producer resistance.

The factories paid an average of 284c/kg (101.3p/lb) for R4L bullocks and 288c/kg (103p/lb) for R4L heifers.