Processors reluctant to forward buy as grass-kept cattle near finish

Factory bosses are hoping cattle off grass will increase steadily and offer the opportunity to reduce their cost

The markets for beef have been consistently very strong in the year to date and the factories have no stocks in hand with continuing scope for all the stock that they can secure. Picture: O'Gorman Photography.

The factories are moving to claw back some of the increases on beef prices over the past couple of months as the anticipation of more grass-finished cattle offers some reassurance on intake.

A number of the factories have offered suppliers 5-10 cents/kg less for stock this week, but the positive side is that they are still anxious to get the stock and in most cases willing to strike a deal.