There has been some further uplift in the beef trade across the UK with continental markets remaining mixed according to Bord Bia.
With this being the case the cattle trade in recent days has shown a small increase in demand with some increase in price reported across selected categories.
However, in the main prices remain relatively steady this week. The majority of steers and heifers were purchased in recent days at a base price of between €3.60 and €3.65/kg on the Quality Payment System with selected lots making up to €3.70/kg. These prices exclude the €0.12/kg bonus which is payable on in-spec QA animals. Prices paid for O grade cull cows are generally making between €3.05 to €3.20/kg.
In Britain, reported cattle prices from the AHDB have risen with GB R4L grade steers averaging at Stg 356.5 pence/kg dw (equivalent to 452.2 cent/kg dw) for the week ended 13th September. There has been a further uplift in trade with a small rise in consumer demand reported.
In France the market continues to remain steady with little change reported. There are some on going promotions for selected hindquarter cuts and briskets which should help the trade.
In Italy there is an abundance of competitively priced French cattle on the market resulting in some pressure on price. However there continues to be some retail promotional activity to combat the slow consumer demand.
Cattle supplies at export meat plants for the week ending September 13 stood at around 34,000 head, which was 6% higher than the equivalent week in 2013. Cumulative supplies for the year to-date are 12% or 126,000 head above the figures for the corresponding period last year currently standing at 1.15 million head. Throughput of prime cattle continues to be up by 15%.