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Weekly cattle & sheep market wrap – 07 November 2024
Thursday, 7 November 2024
Key points:
Prices for week ending 02 November
- The all-prime average GB prime cattle price sat at 513p/kg for the week ending 02 November, up 1.1p/kg on the week prior.
- Estimated prime kill fell by 1,300 on the week, with tightness in supply a likely driver for the strength in the price.
- GB SQQ lamb price fell, down 5.2 p/kg as AHDB estimated slaughterings eased.
Cattle
The all prime average GB prime cattle price sat at 513p/kg for the week ending 02 November, up 1.1p/kg on the week prior. The R4L steer price largely stood-on at 527p/kg, whilst the R4L heifer price gained slightly to sit at 525p/kg. Meanwhile, the average R3 young bull price gained 0.4p to 510p/kg.
Estimated GB prime cattle kill stood at 34,100 head for the week ending 02 November, a fall of 1,300 head on the week. This was primarily driven by a lower throughput of heifers, with steers increasing slightly week on week.
The overall average cow price fell by a further 0.9p/kg, to sit at 348p/kg in the latest week. It was, however, 49.5p/kg higher than the same week of last year. Estimated cow slaughterings slipped back on the week, to total 12,400 head.
Market reports indicate firm demand for available cattle to fill orders and ensure supply of key cuts ahead of Christmas. Wholesale reports suggest cuts including topsides and silversides for example have seen upward price movements, in line with seasonal expectations.
Sheep
Meanwhile, the GB deadweight sheep SQQ averaged 614p/kg for the week ending 02 November, down 5.2p/kg week on week. It remains elevated on last year, 44p/kg higher than the same week of 2023.
Estimated GB clean sheep slaughter eased slightly from the previous week to total 219,400 head. This is still significantly lower than the same week last year, down 13% (34k head).
Market reports suggest that lamb quality remains mixed, with well-fleshed animals attracting premiums. Indicators suggest a steady export trade for lamb, with prices at Rungis wholesale market showing stability throughout the week.
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