110p plus for the tops

Most beef factories, particularly in the south, maintained their price quotes this week, and continued to pay above these 'official' prices. In the midlands and north west, farmers reported price improvements of 2 or 3 cent/kg (up to 1p/lb) wherever cattle supplies were tight.

Smaller processors under pressure to get cattle were more likely to pay extra, while the major players have generally tightened up on price increases.

Most of the steers and heifers in the south are costing 297 to 300 cents/kg (106p or 107p/lb); 3 cents/kg more than that in the midlands; and as much as 3 cents/kg extra again in the north west. More than 110p/lb is now attainable for U grade animals.