July price trend was unique in the beef trade
Some processors have eased this week’s prices quoted for cattle by as much as 5 cent/kg (2p/lb), but are finding it increasingly difficult to get sufficient cattle without paying last week’s going rates.
Most processors are finding they must pay 360 to 365 cents/kg (128p to 130p/lb) as a base price for steers, and there are some reports of 5 to 8 cent/kg (2p to 3p/lb) more being negotiated by sellers of better quality animals. Reports from around the country indicate that factory agents are under instructions not to pay over the quoted prices for cattle, but there are counter reports of flat pricing to secure stock.
