The firmness of the beef market over the past two months is continuing, with farm-gate prices in Scotland around 13 per cent higher than this time last year, according to Stuart Ashworth, Head of Economic Services at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). He said prices are being supported by a lower availability of prime cattle in Scotland and also lower carcase weights.

Within this supply profile, prime heifer availability is little changed, he said, while steer and young bull numbers have fallen.

"This reflects the consequences of encouragement towards lighter carcases encouraging earlier marketing of male cattle," said Mr Ashworth.

"Indeed latest estimates show a decline in the carcase weight of steers between March and April, a time when historically carcase weights increase. Average steer carcase weights during April in Scotland were reported as 387kg, 10kg lighter than last year and 4kg lighter than March. Heifers produced carcases 3kg lighter than last year during April."

In contrast, abattoirs in England and Wales, which had seen lower stock availability in the first quarter of 2017, are now seeing more plentiful supplies. The recent move to a slightly increased supply in England has not, however, constrained the market, observed Mr Ashworth. English producers are also seeing current prices 12 per cent higher than last year.

Census data and data from BCMS (British Cattle Movement Service) would suggest that this scenario of tighter male cattle supplies while heifer supplies remain more stable in Scotland is likely to continue through the summer, said Mr Ashworth.

The data would also suggest that the trend relating to stock originating in a dairy herd is less marked than in the beef herd.

"Equally, though, the English market is likely to remain slightly better supplied than last year. Census data showed an increase of 3 per cent in one to two-year-old males on English farms last December, while in Scotland there were 3.5 per cent fewer. Similarly, there was a 2.6 per cent increase in one to two-year-old female cattle on English farms last December compared to a fall of 1 per cent on Scottish holdings."

Nevertheless, changes to slaughter numbers and carcase weights mean that, over the first third of 2017, domestic beef volumes have fallen around three per cent compared with last year.

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 109 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1425 per head and 266.1p per kg to average £884.57 and 229.6p (+5.3p on the fortnight), while 165 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1460 and 283.6p to level at £918.65 and 236.8p (+1.3p). Thirty-one store, B&W bullocks sold to £930 and 193.5p to average £819.19 and 161p (+1.9p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 2836 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £130 per head and 248p per kg to average 199.1p (-0.5p on the week), while 693 prime lambs peaked at £134 and 308p to level at 248.2p (+10.2p).

The firm also had 2836 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £153 for Charollais and averaged £81.96 (+36p), while light ewes peaked at £74 for Hill Cheviots and levelled at £54.29 (+£3.99). Rams sold to £137 for a Texel and averaged £88.05.