Beef prices continue to hold steady

Bullock supplies to the factories are continuing to increase by 2,000 head a week — a sharper increase than normal for August — as producer continue to take advantage of stable prices.

Quoted prices for all classes bullocks, heifers and cows remain unchanged for this week with supplies to the factories yesterday reported to be steady, without any rush of cattle, as some farmers take time off for harvesting or holidays.

The total kill at the factories last week was 29,907 head, which is pro rata up 2,000 head on the previous week when the bank holiday is taken account of. The increase in supply is largely taken up by the continued increase in bullocks. Last week's kill of 17,243 head showed a continuation of the 2,000 head per week increase when account is taken of the shorter week.