Search our website enhanced by Google.
Store cattle market update: Prices climb into autumn
Friday, 13 October 2023
Store cattle prices have rallied in recent weeks, with market drivers including finished returns and favourable forage supply.
Key points
- Average store prices remain elevated on 2022 levels, particularly for older cattle
- Deadweight finished cattle prices continue to appreciate, but rate of growth has slowed in recent weeks
- Rearing calf prices on seasonal decline but up versus a year ago
Store cattle prices across England and Wales (E&W) have risen strongly over recent weeks, generally outpacing growth seen in finished prices. Market reports suggest that store cattle numbers forward are strong currently with buoyant demand, as wet (but warm) weather supports forage stocks.
Week-on-week, prices have generally started to ease, but remain up against last year across almost all categories and age groups, particularly for older cattle.
Continental (X) store cattle average prices in E&W for week ending 7 October (and year-on-year change):
- Yearling steer: £1,034/head (+£133 +15%)
- Yearling heifer: £866/head (+£138 +19%)
- 18-month steer: £1,237/head (+£133 +12%)
- 18-month heifer: £1,084/head (+£134 +14%)
- 2-year steer: £1,320/head (+£149 +13%)
- 2-year heifer: £1,172/head (+£154 +15%)
See more store market prices here.
Average continental (X) store steer prices, England and Wales
Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS. Prices are 4-week averages.
Year-on-year change in average continental (X) store steer prices and overall deadweight finished steer price, England and Wales
Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS. All prices are 4-week averages, deadweight (DWT) is all steers.
Calf prices strengthen
GB rearing calf prices have followed the seasonal downturn over previous weeks but have generally stayed elevated compared to a year ago. Holstein/Friesian bulls have shown particular annual growth of late.
GB rearing bull calf prices
Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS. Prices are 4-week averages.
Sign up for regular updates
You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.