Some plants booked out by Monday

THERE was an increase in the supply of cattle to factories this week, as farmers moved out stock in larger numbers.

As the pressure on processors to get sufficient cattle eased, the upward trend in prices slackened, and cattle farmers found it difficult to build on last week’s rates for cattle.

With the count down to the festive season under way, an increase in supply was not unexpected, confirming the belief that larger supplies of cattle than normal were being fed in preparation for the Christmas trade.