Sellers have trump card in their hand

PRODUCERS who retained under 30 months cattle are reaping some reward, as prices continue to harden at the factories this week and the trade is expected to remain firm – or firmer – over the next few weeks, in the build up to the Christmas demand for beef.

The reward is still coming in small portions, but up to 243 cents/kg (87p/lb was paid this week for R grades, which is an improvement of at least 3 cents/kg (1p/lb).

The supply of young stock has continued to tighten, as is to be expected at this time of the year, given the pattern of calving in both beef and dairy herds. As a result, processors are finding it more difficult to source sufficient stock to meet the market demand.