Prime cattle prices rise as autumn demand strengthens

Stronger autumn demand and continued limited availability have driven GB prime cattle prices up another 4p/kg to 615p/kg deadweight in the week ending 12 September.

At the same time, steers rose to 617.2p/kg deadweight, with heifers gaining 2.6p to 614.6p/kg deadweight and young bulls up 3.5p to 601.5p/kg deadweight.

Despite these gains, the prices are still significantly below those of the same week last year, by around 22-27p/kg deadweight.

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“We have seen prices for prime cattle grow steadily over the past three months, which would suggest fair demand for prime cattle,” said Becky Smith, senior red meat analyst at the AHDB.

“Cattle numbers remain historically low, which will be supporting prices somewhat, with competition to secure ample supplies.”

Retail demand is also steadying, with a 3.3% increase in spend on beef for the 12 weeks ending 9 August versus last year, according to data from Worldpanel by Numerator UK, although total volumes are still down 2% versus last year.

“We normally see prime cattle prices rise seasonally into the autumn, in the run-up to Christmas procurement, which is a key performance period for beef,” said Ms Smith.

Prime cattle slaughter rose to 31,000 head in the week ending 12 September, following a shorter bank holiday-affected week, but is still below historic levels. Year-to-date slaughter was just 0.3% behind 2025 levels.

Lower cattle numbers available for slaughter in the coming months could continue to support prices.

“However, demand and import levels remain key risks, as high prices at the shelf edge continue to limit consumers’ volumes purchased in the category,” said Ms Smith.