Stable prices for strong supply

Marts: Cattle supplies to the factories continued very strong, well above earlier expectations, as the pre-Christmas kill entered the last full week of operation before the festive holidays yesterday.

Intake at a little less than 40,000 head per week has continued to supply the processors with sufficient cattle to undermine any resistance from producers holding out for any improvement in prices being paid for stock.

Except for a firming of the quotes at 286c-271c/kg (102p-97p/lb) for R/O-grade bullocks — some adding a couple of c/kg — there was no change in the prices on offer at the factories yesterday.