Cattle supplies increase sharply

Marts: Cattle supplies to factories have increased sharply, resulting in a further downward pressure on the return to producers as processors continue to cut prices.

Bullock supplies to the factories increased by 3,000 head last week, with the throughput at 22,727 head the highest weekly kill this autumn although it still remains over 2,000 head lower than the same week last year.

The total kill last week was up 2,600 head at 38,609 head. The total kill the corresponding week in 2003 was 41,076. All of the indications from factories yesterday were that this week's kill will rise further, closing the difference on the same week in 2003.