Store cattle in demand

By Farmers Weekly staff

DEMAND for quality stores remains strong, despite a small slip in prices.

John Ullford from McCartneys reports another good entry of 583 stores at Ludlow last Friday, which met a strong contingent of buyers. But prices were marginally down, with steers averaging 103p/kg on the weeks trade and more emphasis on quality.

Most Continental-bred heifers were sought after – demand for Belgium Blue females almost matched that of steers at £1.02/kg – and, overall, females made an average of 85p/kg. But there was a significant lull in demand for poorer, lighter heifers.

Norman Tweddle of Bagshaws agrees. Heifer trade at Uttoxeter has been “very selective” and, as usual, better sorts took the best bids.

Good-quality steers are also needed, and seem to be in short supply, warns Mr Tweddle. Those coming forward are in demand and continue to top the £1/kg barrier. This is giving a good margin of at least 10p/kg over other steers, which averaged 91.8p/kg.