7 November 2022

2 minute read

By: Global Ag Media

EU deadweight cattle prices have been trending upwards since late 2021, reported AHDB analyst Freya Shuttleworth. EU production has been lower year on year with Germany and France seeing the largest declines. 

The EU Commission is forecasting beef production to remain down vs 2021 for the rest of the year and then stabilise at this lower level through 2023. This is likely to offer some support to cattle prices for the foreseeable future if demand remains at current levels.

GB prices had been sitting at a premium to those on the continent through 2020 and 2021, with price support coming partly from cattle supply tightness and elevated retail demand due to the pandemic. Since the spring, prices have returned to tracking the upper end of EU prices, softening recently, partly due to movements in exchange rates.

UK beef exports have seen strong growth year on year. Although some of this growth will be down to the return of normal trading patterns following Brexit and the removal of covid restrictions, more competitive pricing will also be a driving factor on the market with the EU being our largest trading partner.

EU cull cow prices have been following the same upwards trend as prime cattle prices. The EU average deadweight O3 cow price stood at €4.30/kg (£3.76/kg) in the week ending 10 October, up 27% from the same period a year ago.

Again, these prices are being driven by the tighter supply of cattle and sustained demand for beef post-COVID, particularly manufacturing beef. Breeding cow populations have been shrinking in several EU member states, including France and the Netherlands, driven by pressures including profitability and environmental targets. Recent drought has also affected production across the region.

The EU Commission anticipates additional slaughtering of cattle towards the end of the year, due to shortages of forage and high feed prices.