Fewer cattle making higher prices

Marts: The supply of cattle to the factories is tightening again and prices are rising, as processors coming under pressure to source sufficient stock are having to concede further increases as the producers are dealing hard.

Intake at the factories dropped around 1,000 head last week — bullocks down around 600 head — and further tightening was evident around the country yesterday with the factories coming under more pressure to get stock.

“Farmers are not sure what they want — what they were holding out for last week is not enough to buy stock this week” said one buyer who admitted that the going was getting tougher.