Factories wind down activities

DEMAND at the factories was more variable this week, which resulted in an unchanged price pattern in the count down to Christmas.

Very strong prices paid for beef animals in some areas, of more than 90p/lb, were in contrast with downward pressure on returns to farmers in other areas early in the week.

Factories requiring larger numbers of under-age cattle paid well for them, with one large lot of mid-range animals making a handsome 92p/lb, while prices were pulled in other areas to 86p and back as far as 82p/lb for under 30 months R and O animals.