Auction Marts Set The Trend
UK - Livestock markets around the country are reporting unprecedented prices for stock with liveweight prices driving up deadweight prices according to the Livestock Auctioneers Association."We have seen record prices being achieved in the last few weeks with livestock markets leading the way in achieving these record-breaking figures," announced Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association.
The figures have been confirmed by a recent AHDB/EBLEX report which show beef prices going through the 300p/kg level, 26p or nine per cent above the same time last year.
Stephen Aitken of Darlington Farmers Auction Mart said: "We are seeing a week on week increase in prices with strong home and export demand. Prices are increasing across prime and fat stock with interest both from Scotland and the south. The demand for red meat from the consumer is high".
The position with cull cows was the same, with a buoyant market, again with prices up week on week.
"Good cows are achieving in excess of £1,000" said Bernie Hutchinson of Barbers Auctioneers, Market Drayton, Shropshire. "We are selling between 300-400 cull cows a week with buyers looking for more stock. We are seeing new buyers, as well as cows coming in from a wider area," he added.
"This is good news for the auction system. It shows that it provides a service both to buyers and sellers, setting a market price in response to supply and demand quickly and efficiently," added Mr Dodds.
The increase in beef prices is being attributed both to a shortage of supply and an increase in demand.
TheCattleSite News Desk