UK: Weekly cattle & sheep market wrap (12 December 2024)

Prices for week ending 07 December GB cattle prices grew across the board again this week, despite increasing throughputs. The average price for steers at R4L specification was 555p/kg, up 4.9p/kg on the week previous. The R4L heifer price also grew, to 553p/kg, lifting by 5.9p/kg week on week. Smaller growth was seen in the overall young bull price, up 1.9p/kg on the week to sit at 523p/kg. Estimated GB prime cattle slaughter grew to sit at 34,400 head for the week ending 7 December, up 1,300 head on the week before. This growth was mainly driven by increased heifer kill, up 900 head on the previous week. An uplift was also seen in the overall cow price, despite increased throughputs. The overall cow price averaged 366p/kg for the week, up 3.9p/kg week-on-week. Estimated slaughter of cows sat at 12,000 head, an increase of 400 head on the week. Market reports continue to suggest firm trade, with good demand for cattle despite slightly increased supplies coming forward this week. ...