Steady as she goes in cattle trade

THERE has been no movement in beef prices at the factories this week, as the trade remained steadfast at the level of previous weeks.

Sluggish demand is reported in the UK, with sales of prime beef cuts weaker, and no spin-off benefit yet from any switch away from poultry meats by consumers due to the bird flu outbreak.

It may be an indication that UK consumers have become less reactive to these incidences, and that food safety assurances are being taken on board and accepted.