Weekly cattle intake slumps about 5,550 behind last year

THE upward trend in cattle prices at the beef factories has continued this week, as processors remain under pressure to get hold of their share of the falling supply.

Base prices have hardened by at least 5 cent/kg for steers this week, and heifer prices have made slightly stronger gains, as demand is stepped up in the build up for the Christmas trade.

Officially quoted base prices for steers range from 370 to 375 cent/kg (132p to 134p/lb), with very few changing ownership at less than 375 cent/kg, as farmers with livestock ready to slaughter adopt a hard sell attitude.