In the week ended 11 February, the cattle trade was again generally steady across the board according to the latest analysis by AHDB Beef & Lamb. At 349.3p per kg deadweight (d.wt.), the GB all-prime average was back just less than a penny on the week earlier.

Demonstrating the fine balance in the trade, this means that the measure has fluctuated around the 350p/kg d.wt. mark since the start of this year. On a somewhat positive note, it is worth documenting that, on average, prices have started the year around 20p ahead of the position they were in at the start of 2016.

In the latest week, some degree of stability was evident across most cattle categories. Bullocks meeting R4L specification were back a penny on the week at 362.8p/kg, while heifers at the same spec were almost unchanged at 361.9p/kg. R3 young bulls moved up a penny to 339.8p.

Given that reports suggest that product is moving well through retailers, the supply side of the equation is the main reason prices are holding firm at the present time. Processors are active in the market, so much so that, in some cases, in order to secure the right cattle to match their retail orders, they are having to pay more than they would ideally like to.

Cows sold dearer, with those meeting -O4L specification moving up another penny on the week to 244.3p/kg d.wt.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 723 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 295.5p per kg and an average of 225.5p (+12.1p on the week), while 1127 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 354.2p and levelled at 230.8p (+6.3p). Fifty-two store, B&W bullocks sold to 161.9p and averaged 149.7p (+7.6p).

In the rough ring 92 beef cows sold to £1570 per head and 218.8p per kg to average 138.3p (+8.3p), while 31 dairy cows peaked at £955 and 129.4p to level at 98p (+6.2p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 5 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 222p and an average of 203p, while 4 prime bullocks peaked at 164p and levelled at 162.4p.

In the rough ring 28 beef cows sold to £1047.80 and 153p to average 125p, while 33 dairy cows peaked at £1207.50 and 124p to level at 108.6p.

The firm also sold 610 prime hoggs to a top of £85.50 per head and 222p per kg to average 168.1p (+2.5p).

A nice show of 433 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £96.50 for Texels and average £72.81 (+£7.93), while light ewes peaked at £64.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £41.58 (-£2.59).