Lively trade for young cattle at factories

THERE is a lively trade for young cattle this week as prices topped the 90p/lb across the country yesterday for R grade animals.

But just as the 90p/lb could be foreseen approaching two weeks ago, the signs are that the peak of the current high prices may be reached over the next 10 days, and within a fortnight may be more difficult to secure.

Preparations for the kill for the buoyant Christmas beef trade are expected to be well under way before the end of this week and likely to peak during the early days of next week, when producers can expect to be on the receiving end of the highest prices for the season for young cattle.