Strong demand beefs up factory prices

Marts: The average price for beef showed a gain of 2.5p/lb at the factories last week, with increases of up to 4p/lb paid for cattle at individual plants in a push to get stronger supplies.

The intake of bullocks slipped by 500 head, compared to the previous week, but the supply of heifers increased by over 1,000 head as the overall kill was back by 2,300 head on the same week in 2004.

Lower imports of beef from South America and tight domestic supplies in Britain and on the continent, to supply good consumer purchasing, has created stronger demand and higher prices throughout Europe.