FARM-GATE beef prices have shown a significant recovery since hitting a low point at the beginning of July, according to Quality Meat Scotland's head of economic services.
Although prices have recently shown signs of stabilising Stuart Ashworth said they have been around 30p/kg higher in October than in late June/early July.
They remain around 8-9 per cent lower than last year. Mr Ashworth said: "The latest slaughter data for Scotland showed that, in September, the prime cattle kill was up by two per cent year-on-year - the fifth consecutive month of increase. With carcase weights running well ahead of last year's levels, this will have added to the volume of beef on the market."
Mr Ashworth added: "The signs from the supply side are tending to favour the producer. "With calf registrations falling sharply in 2013, it seems likely supplies will tighten in 2015 as these cattle reach the market."
Mr Ashworth added that on the demand side, there is less pressure on retailers to raise prices.
Kantar Worldpanel data showed sales volumes went up four per cent in the 12 weeks to mid-September. He said: "The breakdown showed higher sales at the premium end with the best-quality roasts and steaks rising strongly."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 305 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1240 per head and 258.3p per kg to average £857.26 and 206.7p, while 373 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1340 and 297.9p to level at £914.73 and 218.3p.
A total of 136 store, B&W bullocks sold to £940 and 165.7p to average £689.85 and 148.8p. The firm also had 1263 store lambs forward that sold to £69 for Beltex, £68.50 Suffolks, £68 Texels, and £56.50 for Mules and Blackfaces, with the overall average levelling at £54.91 (+£2.79 on the week). Some 499 Texels averaged £62.66 (+£2.84).
The Cumberland & Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 6184 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £110 per head and 243p per kg to average 177p (+9p). There were also 5281 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £142 for Texels and averaged £85.31 (+£9.29), while light ewes peaked at £75 for Blackfaces and levelled at £50.15 (+£3.87). Rams sold to £132 for a North Country Cheviot and averaged £76.12 (+£6.14).
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