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Prime cattle prices continue to increase
Wednesday, 1 September 2021
By Bethan Wilkins
In the week ended 28 August, deadweight prime cattle prices increased again on the week. Market reports suggest an increase in demand for prime beef from supermarkets, both to secure Christmas supplies and because the recent uplift in Covid cases could perhaps deter people from eating out.
The GB overall prime cattle average price increased by over 1p on the week to 409.9p/kg. At this level, the prime cattle average price is nearly 40p higher than at the start of the year. The price of R4L animals increased ahead of the overall average; R4L steers gained over 2p to average 420.7p/kg, R4L heifers gained nearly 3p to average 420.3p/kg.
Prime cattle slaughter was estimated to be 30,400 head, 3% higher than a week earlier but still 11% lower than the corresponding week last year.
In the same week, the GB cow trade declined on the week. The overall average declined by over 2p to 290.9p/kg while the price of those meeting the –O4L specification fell by 3p to 312.3p/kg. Estimated throughput was similar to the previous week at 11,100 head, which is 2% below year earlier levels. Buyers are increasingly focused on prime beef, and hence the cow market has eased a little, although prices remain at exceptionally high levels.
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