More bullocks making O grade

Marts: Fewer bullocks graded R at the factories for the final quarter of 2005 compared with the same period in 2004, with a corresponding increase in the percentage of bullocks relegated to the lower priced O grade.

Official grading statistics for the period October 1 to December 31 last year has also confirmed that carcass weights continue to increase for all grades of stock being slaughtered.

The figures show a continuation of the trend in the previous quarter with heavier carcass weights at slaughter, fewer bullocks qualifying for the superior grades, while changes in the grading pattern for heifers was marginal when compared to the last quarter 2004.