Cull Cow Market Increases

UK - Prices for cull dairy cows have risen dramatically due a demand for cheaper cuts of meat.
calendar icon 8 October 2009
clock icon 1 minute read

The situation is welcomed by dairy farmers, reports FarmingUK. Producer John Crowther, who milks 200 cows on his farm just north of Annan, near the Scottish Borders, says he has seen a significant increase in the prices he receives for the cull cows he sells at Borderway Mart in Carlisle in the past year.

Borderway Mart operations director David Pritchard told FarmingUK that tight supply and high demand in the beef trade was the overriding reason for this year’s higher prices.

"National cattle numbers overall seem to be down this year and the euro exchange rate has also led to greater competition between home market buyers and those buying cattle destined for export," said Mr Pritchard. "In July a typical average price was 95p per kg for cull cows, compared with 82p at the same time last year. Prices have now risen above pre-BSE prices in 1996.

Mark Northcott, an auctioneer in Frome says: "Competition is strong for all categories of cull cows with more buyers looking to the cows to satisfy the processing end of the market providing cheaper cuts and minced beef."

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