OTM cattle grading O at 218 cent

THE intake of steers at the factories remains below last year's level, but supplies are continuing strong enough to keep downward pressure on cattle prices, which have continued to weaken as the autumn intake nears its peak.

The main impact has been on prices for the poorer grading animals, with a widening in the price gap between R and O grade animals to 15 cents/kg (5p/lb), which is costing sellers of the O grade animals up to €50 per head.

Most factories have held the price for R graders at 241 cents/kg (86p/lb) with the exception of some processors in the midlands, where the price has weakened a further 3 cents/kg (1p/lb) this week.