Higher quotes as intake slipped back to about 36,100 head

PRICES quoted at beef factories this week are improved by 3 to 5 cent/kg (1p to 2p/lb), with stronger demand from the processors for cattle reported from many parts of the country, as intake figures eased back slightly.

The base price for steers is being quoted at 350 to 355 cent/kg (125p to 127p/lb), with most processors having to pay 5 to 8 cent/kg (2p to 3p/lb) over the quotes in order to secure some of the tightening supply of cattle.

Heifer prices stay 5 to 8 cent/kg ahead of steer prices, and actual prices paid for heifers are generally 10 cent/kg higher than steer prices. Strong demand for beef and cattle supplies continuing well below the levels of previous years are delivering higher prices to farmers.