Gradual price rises but processors hold tight rein

Gradual upward movement in beef prices at the factories continues this week, although the pace of increase is minimal.

Supplies of cattle remain tight, but processors are holding a tight rein on prices, and conceding nothing more than is absolutely necessary to secure sufficient beef to fill their orders.

However, a hard sell policy by farmers with finished animals is delivering the extra 1-2 cent/kg by which the prices have improved.