THE handbrake has been gently but firmly applied to the slaughter and feeder cattle markets this week, with direct consignment rates for slaughter cattle typically back 10c/kg and the saleyard system showing even larger falls.
Some processors are now reporting three-week delays on kill slots for over-the-hooks bookings – effectively taking bookings to March, week one – a dramatic turnaround from only a fortnight ago when kill space was abundant.
Competitive processors in southern Queensland have dropped rates 10c/kg on all slaughter lines since Monday – the first downwards trend in…
