Prime cattle prices have eased slightly over the past week, slipping by around 5p/kg, as processors respond to ongoing disappointing retail beef sales.A combination of global political uncertainty, high fuel prices and negative economic news in the press due to the Iran/US/Israel war is majorly knocking consumer confidence.
However longer term supply fundamentals remain positive, with cattle numbers relatively tight for the time of year, despite the two four-day weeks over Easter. Native-sired cattle continue to command strong premiums in the region of15–20p/kg. The Angus brand certainly looks very strong going forward.
The cull cow trade remains buoyant, with cows moving readily, although values have softened slightly in line with the prime market, easing by 3–5p/kg. Well-finished cows in the last week are typically trading between 560–575p/kg,depending on specification.
Looking abroad, a reported outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in China could have implications for global meat flows, given the country’s significant role in world markets.
Store cattle continue to be a standout feature of the market whicheveryone is talking about. Demand remains exceptional across almost all categories, underlining a strong degree of confidence, though forward stores are easier on the week.
Sheep
The sheep trade rolls on and on, holding firm even as key seasonal demand drivers such as Easter and Ramadan pass.
Prime hoggs have traded between 830–860p/kg over the past week, with well-fleshed, high-quality sheep continuing to attract the strongest competition. While overall quality is mixed… with a proportion of tail-end lotscoming forward and good commercial batches of Cheviots and Blackie are selling particularly well.
Demand is expected to remain firm in the short term, with processors keen to secure more standard-weight, well-finished hoggs for the week ahead.
Organics
The organic hogg trade remains finely balanced, with premiums of 15–20p/kg available, reflecting an even balance between supply and demand. We have a member looking for 200 organic store hoggs for further finishing.
Organic cattle continue to perform strongly, with prime stock attracting very good premiums. Organic store cattle are highly sort after and we have anumber of organic members looking for stores for finishing and grazing.
Wanted
Store cattle- Scottish and English All
Organic store cattle All
200 organic store hoggs AN
Available
Mule ewe lambs with lambs at foot. LB
Sim Luing heifers with Angus calves available end of May Office/ID
Organic cows and calves available May AN
Organic bulling heifers- Johnes 1 MG/JW
Store cattle All
Weaned angus calves HMJW
Angus weanlings. 4-5 months available MG
Friesian store bullocks- good grazing cattle HM
TB1 store cattle NG
