1.   As a result, meatpackers will have to pay more for available animals when demand rises during the summer months in the U.S.

2.   Because fewer cattle than expected entered feedlots in December, meatpackers will have to pay more for the reduced supplies when the cattle mature, analysts said.

3.   A smaller supply means the Dakota City, Nebraska-based meatpacker will have to pay more for market-ready cattle.

4.   It also indicated meatpackers will have to raise their bids for the fewer cattle that will be available later this month and in February, analysts said.

5.   It also indicates meatpackers will have to raise their bids for fewer available cattle this month and February, analyst said.

6.   Meatpackers have adequate supplies to maintain slaughter rates for now but need to secure animals soon, traders said.

7.   Meatpackers would have to bid higher for available animals if fast-food chains start increasing orders, traders said.

8.   With stronger demand for beef, traders expect meatpackers will have to boost bids to secure animals.