Beef cattle supply increases sharply

CATTLE supplies to the factories have increased sharply, but strong demand from the markets for beef has ensured that prices have been fully maintained or strengthened at most plants this week.

Intake at the plants for last week increased to 32,718 head, which was within 900 head of the same week in 2007. The supply of steers was the strongest for months, at 16,619 head, having increased to within 800 of the corresponding week in 2007. There was a large increase in the throughput at plants in the east and midlands for the week, with demand in both areas also holding very strong.

Similar to previous weeks, the further north, the stronger the price, with southern processors under less pressure to get sufficient cattle and continuing to pay the lowest prices, as much as 11 cents/kg (4p/lb) behind the top paying processors.