Prices higher as producers hold out

Marts: Factories paid 5c-7c/kg (2p/lb) more for cattle, under pressure to get sufficient stock last week, as producers held out for higher returns before parting with animals.

The higher prices did result in bringing out more animals with intake at 29,249 head showing an increase of about 300.

Within that kill the supply of bullocks was 900 head higher than the previous week in response to prices of up to 341c/kg (121p/lb) paid for U grade bullocks at Slaney Meats and 335c/kg (119.6p/lb) for Rs at Euro Foods — the highest paid for beef animals in several years.