More and more cattle die in debt as prices slip

BEEF prices have come under increasing pressure this week at the factories, where quotes for all grades have been reduced

A weakening in the beef markets on the continent and the continued strength of sterling have been cited as the principal reasons for falling prices, and less interest from the processors for large supplies of young cattle which led some of the factories to reduce their kill for this week. Quoted prices for R grade steers and heifers are in general 241 cent/kg (86p/lb) this week, with variations between factories, ranging from 85p to 87p/lb.

Prices for O grade are quoted at 226 to 229 cents/kg (81p to 82p/lb).