Plea not to slaughter unfinished cattle

Mart leaders yesterday called on farmers not to slaughter unfinished cattle, as the prices dispute with meat factories rumbled on.

ICOS national co-op marts committee chairman Tom Doyle issued the appeal in light of the recent difficulties in the beef market, and of the enormous numbers of unfinished cattle being sent to the factories.

Urging farmers to put their unfinished cattle on the market, he said there is a very strong demand for unfinished stock for further feeding at present, and due to a scarcity, the trade is very strong.