Tight intake of cattle sees slight increase in prices

Any movement in beef prices at factories for this week has been slightly upwards, as the intake of cattle remain tight.

There are some indications that processors are getting more anxious to acquire cattle. With the weekly throughput down more than 20% compared to the same week in 2011, it would be no surprise to hear of factory agents coming under pressure to source more cattle.

The trade appears to have edged upwards by 1-2 cent/kg, particularly at the lower end of the prices being quoted, but there is further tightening of price top-ups, with processors trying to stick to the improved quotes.