Price increase for tight supply

Marts: Strong demand for a tight supply of cattle set the agenda for a price battle between producers and processors yesterday as trade resumed for the first full week of the new year as producers took control of the trade.

Unlike pre-Christmas when processors were in a strong position to dictate the trade the trump card yesterday transferred to the hand of the producers as the processors came under pressure to source supplies to supple depleted supermarket shelves.

Up to 308c/kg (110p/lb) quoted at Slaney Meats, Bunclody for R grade bullocks — and 294c/kg (105p/lb) for O grade — received a lukewarm reception from producers who were still trying to negotiate the price upwards before parting with stock.