Cattle markets show mixed prices
By FWi staff
CATTLE prices were mixed this week, with most prices dropping off towards Friday.
An encouraging entry of 176 clean cattle sold on a solid trade at Bakewell on Monday, with prices averaging 89p/kg. But prices for plain steers stayed in the basement at about 63p/kg. Heifers averaged 86.7p/kg.
Standard quality medium steers were better placed at Ludlow, where they averaged 95.1p/kg. Medium heifers averaged only 87.8p/kg. Plenty of buyers are looking for FAABL accredited cattle again, report auctioneers McCartneys.
Commercial steers at Skipton sold to 95p/kg, with an average price of 87.7p/kg. Commercial heifers averaged 84.5p/kg.
Medium steers at Exeter averaged 90.10p. Trade was a little firmer than last week, according to auctioneer Peter Farnsworth. Medium heifers averaged 87.10p/kg.
At auctions on Tuesday, the overall average from selected markets across England and Wales stood at 87.90p/kg, according to the Meat and Livestock Commission.
But this started to fall back towards the end of the week. A two-tier trade at Uttoxeter on Wednesday saw steers average 86.4p/kg and heifers average 83.3p/kg.
There is only any real demand for best quality cattle which continue to be in short supply, report auctioneers Bagshaws.
Auctioneers expect a similar trade next week and say prices are unlikely to rise much above current levels.