Processors under pressure as finished cattle numbers fall 25%

Balancing supply and demand at the least cost, always a primary objective for the processors, is becoming the most challenging in years due to the fall-off in supply

Demand for the more expensive cuts of beef has dropped off significantly both within the restaurant and general catering sectors and in supermarket purchases following the sharp increase in price over the past 18 months.

A 25% drop-off in the weekly supply of finished cattle at the factories is mounting pressure on the processing sector ahead of their busiest and usually most profitable season of the year.

Intake for last week dropped by 2,500 head on the previous week, with the weekly deficit compared to 2024 increasing to more than 13,400 head — the highest weekly decline year to date.