Live values take a turn for worse
Live values take a turn for worse
By Simon Wragg
STORE cattle values are easing back as finishers witnessed the continuation of a slide in prime values, with almost 6p/kg liveweight being wiped off some regional markets in the past two weeks.
Last weeks live cattle prices fell by an average of 1.15p/kg across Britains markets to level at 88.92p/kg. And traders are refusing to rule out further falls this week.
The interruption of a bank holiday unsettled last weeks markets, but auctioneers added that the quality of cattle coming forward, including some tail-end housed cattle from last winter, has also tempered values.
On the Welsh borders, the three-times-a-year sale on behalf of the Bishop Castle & District Quality Cattle Association saw store averages slip accordingly, said auctioneer Halls.
"Finished prices have a lot to do with it," said the companys Nick Hyne. "The general feeling is that prime values were not anticipated to rise. But its been a good spring, theres plenty of grass about and demand is always stron-ger with those conditions. Store values have held up pretty well."
With an entry of 429 steers, 398 heifers, and a handful of bulls, averages were still respectable, he said. Steers proved as popular as ever averaging 138p/kg with heifers at 112p/kg.
Interest in show-potential stock was evident and prospective buyers bid hard for the best beasts – a 280kg Belgian Blue heifer from Brian Griffiths of Sarn made £1180. The bid was repeated for a 260kg Limousin heifer from Messrs Powell of Kerry.
"Store buyers are watching the market. We keep hearing reports of cheap imports of beef from Argentina which is tempering trade," added Mr Hyne.
Further north, the impact of a setback to prime values was also felt at Leyburn Livestock Auctions store sale last Friday (May 3). According to auctioneer Stephen Walker, values were back by an average of £20/head on the previous sale, two weeks ago. "That said, prices had been rising steadily from the end of February – a good run."
With more store cattle in the ring, buyers have plenty of choice across the country, he suggested, although interest from finishers travelling from eastern arable counties was still strong.
Again Belgian Blue stamped its mark on the potential show entry at Leyburn with a heifer from Bob Blades of JR & A Blades of Muker, Swaledale, taking the top bid of £780. Beef judge and Bridlington store finisher John Grey had given it the top ticket earlier in the day before it sold locally.
In the steer section, a Belgian Blue from Swaledale breeders G K Hird & Son made the top price of £635, selling to East Yorks buyer Andy Brown.
"The demand is still evident for stores even if prices are back on the previous highs," said Mr Walker. *
Bob Blades with his Castle Bank Trophy winning Belgian Blue heifer, which later sold for a top price of £780.