34,760 cattle at beef factories last week

AN INCREASED intake of cattle at beef factories has resulted in downward pressure on prices this week.

Quoted prices for steers and heifers have been reduced by as much as 5 cent/kg (2p/lb), which has led to resistance from farmers with finished cattle to sell, many of whom are trying to hold out for better prices.

Base prices for steers for the week are quoted at 345 to 350 cent/kg (123p to 125p/lb) in general, but farmers are negotiating some concessions, on overage cattle, for example.