As April ended the cattle trade maintained its bullish feel of the previous few weeks. In week ended 29 April the GB all prime average moved up over a penny on the week earlier to 349.2p per kg deadweight. This increase represents the fifth consecutive week of upwards movement in the measure and means that it is around 40p ahead of the average at the end of April last year, when prices were still on a downwards trajectory.
The trade is still clearly benefiting from beef's positive retail performance. The well-documented competition between discount retailers and traditional supermarkets is continuing to be providing a boost to beef sales. With some processors working on the bank holiday, demand is still trending ahead of supplies coming forward, creating buoyancy in the market.
The cow trade has been firm all year as the strong demand for manufacturing beef, both at home and on the continent, comes up against lower numbers coming forward. The persistent weakness of sterling is still contributing to the strength in the market. Cows meeting -04L moved up another 3p on the week earlier to average 264.2p per kg deadweight - they have strengthened 13p over the month to be at their highest position since autumn 2013. Given the optimistic outlook, producers can take advantage of the strength in the market by adding finish to the cows that will improve.
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 991 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 289p per kg and an average of 229p (no change on the week), while 1058 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 304.5p and levelled at 239.5p (-1.2p). One-hundred-and-five store, B&W bullocks sold to 216.7p and averaged 161.6p (+3.5p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 7 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 229p and an average of 209p, while 4 prime bulls peaked at 159p and levelled at 148.3p.
In the rough ring 34 beef cows sold to £1368.90 per head and 169p per kg to average 145p, while 37 dairy cows peaked at £1159.10 and 156p to level at 122p.
The firm also sold 431 prime hoggs to a top of £85.50 per head and 197p per kg to average 181p (+3p), while 14 prime lambs peaked at £103 and 251p to level at 220.3p.
The 156 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £117.50 for Texels and average £81.95, while light ewes peaked at £83.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £54.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 416 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £89.50 and 190p to average 166.5p (-1p), while 34 prime lambs peaked at £104 and 235p to level at £95.94 and 205.3p (no change).
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