Factory prices steady but perks tighten for beef producers

Processors are operating on a tightrope policy — wanting intake to hold up but without additional costs, a delicate balance to achieve

The largest weekly intake in more than six months has added to easing pressure on processors.

The quoted prices for prime beef animals at factories remain steady this week, but processors have tightened control on 'perks' and 'add-ons' to shave some of the 'cream' off producer returns and ease cattle intake costs.

The largest weekly intake in more than six months has added to easing pressure on processors.