Average prices remain stable at marts

Marts: Average prices at the factories have remained stable for the second consecutive week with neither the processors nor producers prepared to concede to a cent more or less for beef.

On a regional basis stronger prices continued to be achieved in the upper half of the country with a difference of 3-6c/kg (1p-2p/lb) in the returns being achieved for similar grade animals - a price difference which has also remained stable over the past two weeks.

A slight tightening in the supply of bullocks to the factories last week helped to underpin the prices. Processors are reluctant to concede higher prices and producers resist any cut.