Cattle kill 5.5% higher this year
But, due to short supply, this has not affected prices, which remain firm, with up to 90p/lb available for very good quality stock, especially if a factory is under pressure to fill remaining orders.
However, in general, up to 89p/lb is attainable for R grade animals under 30 months, although 88p/lb is generally quoted by most factories for the week. Quotes for O grades range from 83 back to 86p/lb.
Producers who held on to cattle for the pre-Christmas trade this year gained a little, but there is some disappointment that the hoped for 90p/lb was not paid for significant volumes. Given the prices which were paid for stores in the autumn, profit margins have been tight.
Factory throughput last week was down by a few hundred to 40,600 head, which is close to the corresponding week in 2003.
The supply of bullocks at 15,748 was down by 1,600 head on the previous week and around 1,400 head back on the same week last year.
Supplies of over-age cattle are continuing to make up the numbers. While there is no rush of over 30 months animals, there has nevertheless been a steady flow over recent weeks, with prices continuing to track those of the young stock. Some of these over-age animals have been making prices on a par with the under-age animals if they are heavy enough and quality is adequate. The remainder are not far behind, at a discount of 1p or 2p/lb.
The year to date supply figures show factory throughput 5.5% higher than last year, consisting of a 7% higher bullock kill, and 2.6% more heifers slaughtered. Cull cow throughput is 3% higher.
The number of young bulls slaughtered is 12,000 higher than for 2002.
An additional 90,000 animals have been exported live this year, of which calves accounted for an increase of 44,000 and weanlings were up 30,000 head.
