Weekly cattle & sheep market wrap - 05 September 2024

Key points

Prices for the week ending 31 August

• Tighter cattle numbers saw prices edge up again, supported with good consumer demand from the bank holiday week.
• The GB average R4L steer price rose by 3.9p on the week to 507p/kg.
• New season lamb SQQ was fairly steady on the week at 664p/kg, as numbers held overall.

Cattle

Finished prime cattle prices ticked up again across most regions in the week ending 31 August. This week included the Bank Holiday Monday, as prime cattle numbers saw a dip of an estimated 2,600 on the week before to 29,500 head. However, estimated slaughter remained elevated against the same week a year ago.

The overall average GB steer measure rose by 2.6p on the week to 499p/kg, while steers of R4L specification rose by 3.9p to average 507p/kg overall. Heifers rose by 2.4p overall to average 496p/kg, while young bulls rose by 2.4p overall to average 490p/kg.

Cows meanwhile maintained their high position, averaging 359p/kg across all carcase classifications, up 0.6p from the previous week. Estimated cow slaughter dipped by 600 head to 8,200 head during the shorter week.

Market reports suggest that there has been increased demand of late for roasting and steaking cuts. Beef demand has reportedly seen boosts due to the bank holiday from both retail and foodservice.

Sheep

The GB deadweight new season SQQ averaged 664p/kg in the week ending 31 August, down 2p from the previous week. The measure stood over £1/kg ahead of the same week a year ago.

In contrast to cattle, estimated lamb slaughter stood largely stable from the week before at an estimated 189,800 head (up 900 head). However, numbers remained notably lower year-on-year, continuing to point to tightness in the new season crop.

Market reports would suggest the overall quality of lambs forward is rather mixed, with meat well sought-after. Indicators would suggest the export trade is currently fairly robust, with prices out of Rungis wholesale market steady-to-firmer over the past week.