The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has said cattle prices are being supported by “robust interest” for barbecue-related items ahead of warmer weather.
AHDB’s senior red meat analyst, Hannah Clarke, said Great British deadweight prime cattle prices generally held in the week ending April 27, as slaughter rates were largely stable.
“From a demand perspective, wholesale market reports suggest that demand for BBQ-type items including processing product and steaks are positive,” she said.
“Indeed, Kantar retail data up to the April 14 shows positive movements in demand for such products. Across the water, European and Irish cattle prices have been relatively stable over recent weeks.
“Irish cattle slaughter has been easing for the past few weeks but remains above 2023 levels for the year-to-date. Increase cow slaughter has been a key driver.”
The overall steer price stood-on at an average of 487.4p/kg, while the overall Great British heifer average lost a fraction, down 0.1p to 484.4p/kg.
Young bulls showed more movement overall, up 1.8p to average 473.3p/kg.
The overall cow measure continued to edge upwards as supplies reduced, averaging 358.5p/kg (+1.4p on the week).
The measure remained below year-ago levels (-25p) but was largely in-line with the same week in 2022.
Regionally, Northern averages rose across all prime categories, despite slaughter rates increasing, Clarke said.
Meanwhile, Central prime average prices eased across the board. Southern and Scottish prices were mixed.
For cows, the opposite trends were seen among Central and Northern average prices.
Overall estimated prime cattle slaughter was largely stable on the week at 34,700 head (+100 head). Meanwhile, cow slaughter showed notable decline, down 1,000 head (-10%) on the week.
Sheep
Great British deadweight lamb prices edged lower in the week ending April 27, despite kill levels continuing to reduce.
The Great British old season lamb standard quality quotation (SQQ) was back 11p to average 849.6p/kg, up 195p year-on-year.
Lamb slaughter fell 8% from the previous week to an estimated 142,900 head, significantly lower than a year ago (back around 30%).
The lower hogget supply has added underlying support to prices generally. Recent reports suggest quality is becoming more mixed as the hogget supply draws to a close, Clarke said.
Clarke acknowledged that many may have taken advantage of some pockets of nicer weather to prioritise fieldwork, with some potentially keeping some lambs away.
“On the demand front, positive moves in lamb sales through retail have been recorded in recent months, helped by a strong period for religious festivals including Easter and Ramadan,” Clarke said.
“Leg roasting joints saw notable uplift in volumes during the 12 weeks to April 14 (Kantar), supported by strong promotional activity.
“We will be producing more detailed analysis of sales of red meat and dairy during the Easter period in the coming weeks.”
Other exports
Elsewhere, export prices remain firm historically, but more recent reports point to a slight softening in the export trade this week, Clarke reported.
“French wholesale prices out of Rungis market eased slightly in the middle of the week.
“However, the supply situation also remains lower among key European producing nations, keeping support underneath prices generally.
“In addition, the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha is predicted to be on the June 16, a key period for sheep meat consumption, which may also spur some procurement for Qurbani.”
