Over 410 cent/kg paid for top cattle this week

THE trade for cattle has continued on a very positive note this week at the beef factories with the price movement going in only one direction — upwards.

There is strong demand for finished cattle, and the slow build-up in supply coming off the farms after the Christmas break is allowing farmers bargain with factory agents for improved prices.

The general run of prices quoted for steers is a base range of 405 to 410 cent/kg (144p-146p/lb). Very few animals are changing hands at the lower end of that range, and some deals for slightly over 410 cent/kg are being reported. The price outcome varies a bit from one area to another, depending very much on the supply of cattle available in each factory area, and the pressure on a particular processor to source cattle.