Weekly cattle intake tops 30,000 head for first time since April

Improved weather during the second half of September helped finishers hold on to stock, as better ground conditions meant the expected surge in factory supply did not materialise

Finishers are reporting factories showing 'a bit more interest' in cattle this week, which is being described as a positive for the trade outlook.

A shade more confidence has returned to the beef trade at the factories this week, with prices stabilising after nearly four consecutive weeks of decline.

For the first time since April, the weekly intake at factories exceeded 30,000 head last week, while supply remains about 75% compared with the same week in 2024. Weekly supply continues to be almost 10,000 head less than a year ago.