Search our website enhanced by Google.
Prime cattle prices hold, while cows drop sharply
Wednesday, 8 April 2020
By Hannah Clarke
In the week ending 4 April, the GB average deadweight prime cattle price held from the week before at 336.1p/kg. Estimated slaughter was down 2,200 head on the week at 33,100 head*.
The overall steer price fell by 0.4p on the week to average 336.6p/kg, with beasts achieving R4L spec unchanged on the week at 347.9p/kg.
Heifers overall remained largely unchanged on the week (+0.1p) at 336.7p/kg, however, R4L heifers slipped by 0.3p to average 345.8p/kg.
Young bulls had a more positive week, with the overall price rising by 4p to average 323.3p/kg. Those of R3 and R4L spec ticked up by 0.2p and 0.4p on the week, respectively.
Cow prices meanwhile fell sharply, with the overall average dropping by 19p on the week to 211.8p/kg. Estimated slaughter was down 2,100 head on the week at 8,500 head*.
The beef sector faces a range of challenges at the moment that could have influenced this decline. Cow beef is often exported, however, reports indicate export demand has fallen sharply, probably influenced by a mix of logistical challenges and changing consumer behaviour. Similarly, the shape of UK demand is also changing due to the shift from foodservice to retail and this is perhaps particularly affecting the cow market at present. There is currently a disproportionate demand for low-priced mince; however, increased mincing devalues the carcase.
*estimated slaughter figures should be treated with caution, as more animals than usual may have been sold deadweight, given the temporary disruption to some live markets.
Sign up for regular updates
You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.