Factory cow prices surge, closing gap with prime beef for first time
Across the south of the country, suppliers are reporting that up to 640c/kg is being paid for well-fleshed R-grade cows this week, which is on par with the going base steer price and a few cents behind the base for heifers.
A surge in the factory prices on offer for cows has almost closed the gap between prime steer and heifer beef prices for the first time ever.
The history-making trend is reflecting the ongoing change in consumer demand, with beef mince becoming the dominant leader for volume sales and market returns to the processors continuing to influence demand for intake numbers at the factories.
