Lighter stores an easier trade at marts

THERE has been a slight easing of the trade for the medium-weight and light-store cattle in the marts through the week, while the forward-quality animals with a premia available to be drawn in 2002 have been selling well.

With two-thirds of the week's kill at the factories, through reports indicate that the prices being paid are in line with the actual prices for last week, returning 235c/kg for R grade and 230c/kg for O grade.

The quoted rates at the factories were increased by 3-6c/kg for O grade, which brought them into line with the pay-sheet returns for last week (as reported in yesterday's edition).