Cow price within 18% of steer beef

THE downward slide in beef prices accelerated at the factories this week, with up to 6 cents/kg (2p/lb) being cut off prices for O grade cattle, as cattle supplies to the processors increased.

The farmers’ target of holding O grade prices at 90p/lb has been now breached by as much as 9 cents/kg (3p/lb), leaving little confidence in prices holding at present levels over the coming weeks, as slaughtering increases towards the seasonal peak.

There is growing anger among cattle farmers, with their leaders saying that the beef cattle price gap of up to 13p/lb which has opened up between this country and the UK is not justified.