Processors deny price allegations

THE supply of cattle to the factories has tightened further, but not sufficiently to relieve the downward pressure on cattle prices.

Prices on offer from processors to beef finishers this week continued to disappoint, leaving farmers counting their losses, after expected profit margins were blown away by price cuts in recent weeks, in the crucial period for spring finishers.

Protests at factories and sharp exchanges between meat industry representatives and farmers achieved nothing, with prices remaining under pressure.