Beef markets enter calmer waters, but fears remain

Supplies to the factories have been increasing over recent weeks, leaving the processors under no pressure to fill their requirements.

The quoted base price for the steers remains at 460c/kg, with heifers being quoted at a base of 465c/kg.

The beef trade at the factories has entered calmer waters this week, giving some relief to suppliers who have been feeling the brunt of the heavy cuts relentlessly applied over the past two months.

But all is not well under the surface of the trade, with the processors indicating to their suppliers that further reductions may be in the pipeline as early as this week-end, because of the uncertainty of their markets.