Census speculation drives supply

STRONGER autumn cattle supplies and lower prices at the factories continue the traditional seasonal pattern.

There are more cattle in the country this year, the weekly supply to the factories continues to increase, and prices are again under downward pressure, with processors knocking another slice off the returns to farmers this week.

The general run of prices is 218 to 229 cent/kg (78 to 82p/lb) for R/O grades under 30 months, but some of the processors dropped to 227 cents/kg (81p/lb) for R grade on Monday, and quotes for O grade ranged back to 212 cent/kg (76p/lb). On Monday, some factories indicated they would make a mid week downwards revision of O grade prices, which are coming under the most pressure.