Hint of autumn in the cattle prices

THERE is more than a hint of autumn in the cattle prices quoted at the factories this week, with returns to farmers shifting into reverse gear as cattle supplies are increasing.

The trade over the past six months has been exceptional by the standards of recent years, but it was probably little better than should be expected, when all factors are taken into account.

And now the slide in beef prices is now well and truly in progress, with quotes pulled for the third consecutive week, as the flow of cattle to factories continue to increase.