Lack of younger beef boosts prices

THERE has been a significant improvement in beef prices, as the supply of cattle aged under 30 months continued to tighten this week, and the market advantage swung towards cattle farmers with stock to sell.

While quoted prices improved by 6 to 9 cents/kg (2p or 3p/lb), the top up on quoted rates being paid by processors became significant, as the factories came under pressure to get enough young cattle to meet their requirements.

There was some variation in the prices being paid, with factories in the midlands and north pushed towards paying higher prices than their colleagues in the south, where the supply factor was not as critical, and where weather conditions worsened in the early days of this week.