Very hard to assess May availability

THERE is very little change in the beef trade this week as processors put a hold on prices, much to the disappointment of farmers expecting May to bring higher prices.

It is little consolation to those finishing cattle that the prices are just stable, having fallen by 6 to 9 cent per kg late in April.

In the southern counties, farmers are getting 336 to 339 cents/kg (120p or 121p/lb), or slightly more, for R grade steers. Farmers can add another 3 cent per kg (1p/lb) in the east and midlands, and up to 5 cent per kg in the north west.