Delayed offload hits summer price

A STEADY supply of cattle to factories continued this week, with prices coming under pressure in - the south of the country where numbers on offer to the processors were most plentiful.

In contrast to the year to date pattern of supply, intake at the factories is now week-on-week higher than last year, a trend which has undermined the usual peak in prices to peak during late May and early June.

Prices have been holding best in the east and north west. In the east, 292 cents/kg (104p/lb) is being quoted for R grade animals, with 280 cents/kg (100p/lb) on offer for O grade animals. In the midlands, the R and O grade mix is being quoted at 3 cents/kg (1p/lb) less, with farmers being offered 289 and back to 277 cents/kg.