Cattle
As the longest day approaches, headline prices for prime cattle have remained largely unchanged in the last week though it does feel like there is a bit of bite returning to the trade with some processors sharpening pencils for larger loads out of some areas. 575-590p/kg covers most bid prices this week. The trade seems to be building from Northern England which is interesting. Many of the major processors continue to report big issues with carcass imbalance which doesn’t help their margins… demand continues to be strongest for processing meat. Hopefully an end to hostilities in the Middle East, an easing of the oil price and a boost in consumer spending will contribute to stronger demand for red meat.
Brazilian beef exports to the EU are being banned from early September due to anti-microbial use. Lets hope that the UK follows suit!
Cull cow numbers remain seasonally tight which is normal for the time of the year. Base prices are in the region of 530-540p/kg, more beef and boning cows wanted.
Store cattle demand in building, especially for for Angus stores, both beef and dairy bred. More needed!
Sheep
Prime lambs remain at record levels, though are easier on the week with base prices easing slightly to 920-930 in the last week, with the best lambs still in excess of £200/head. The main reason for the easing in the price is that spring lamb numbers are coming forward in greater numbers.
UK lamb is in the unusual position of being more expensive than French lamb, these extreme prices will not be helping profit margins for the processors/retailers.
Orders for breeding sheep for the summer are now starting to come in.
Organics
Organic cattle waiting lists remain around one month in most cases Strong premiums over conventional remain.
Prime organic NSL now coming forward. Good premiums available, please get in touch to discuss price. More wanted to meet strong demand from 3processors.
