Heifers are the star of the domestic market

The shortage of steers and the high prices paid for slaughter cattle are pushing processors to work increasingly with heifers. So far this year (to 19 April) total cattle slaughter is up 3.5% year-on-year, with a modest rise in the number of steers and a similarly modest drop in cows. Heifer slaughter, however, has jumped a solid 18.5 %.