In the week ending 26 August, the GB all prime average price series climbed to its highest level since January 2014. according to figures released by AHDB Beef & Lamb. At 375.52p per kg deadweight, the measure gained 2.86p on the previous week and is 23.51p higher than the same period in 2016. Estimated slaughtering of cattle remained relatively stable on the previous week at 30,800 head and around 1 per cent up on the week a year earlier.
Reports suggest that demand for prime cattle remains strong, while supply remains relatively tight, with some processors short of numbers. It has also been noted that a number of plants operated over the bank holiday, while others struggled to source enough stock to do so.
The rise in the average prime average price was driven by an upturn in steer and heifer prices which outweighed a fall in young bull prices. The overall steer price gained 2.6p on the week to stand at 372.7p, while those meeting R4L specification gained 4.4p on the week to 387.5p per kg in the week ending 26 August. The overall heifer price increased by 3.8p week-on-week at 377.2p per kg, while R4L heifers gained 3.5p to 385.6p per kg. On the other hand young bull prices declined in the week ending 26 August, with the overall measure losing 1p, standing at just over 354p, while those making R4L specification remained relatively unchanged at 361.4p per kg.
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 412 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 248.5p per kg and an average of 212p (+2p on the week), while 883 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 271p and levelled at 220.4p (+0.4p). One hundred store, B&W bullocks sold to 165p and averaged144.4p (-10.2p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 230p and an average of 207.8p.
In the rough ring 52 beef cows sold to 170p and averaged 137p, while 28 dairy cows peaked at 144p and levelled at 107p.
The firm also sold 1938 prime lambs to a top of £103.50 per head and 215p per kg to average 200.2p (+20p).
A large show of 798 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £121.50 for Texels and average £79.88, while light ewes peaked at £71.15 and levelled at £49.94.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1526 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £103 and 208.3p to average 196p (+13.6p).
There were also 358 heavy cast ewes forward that sold to £114 for Bleu du Maine crosses and averaged £72.88, while 117 light ewes peaked at £78 for Blackfaces and levelled at £40.29.
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