Previously buyant beef prices have reached their peak and are starting to trough according to latest data from EBLEX. Beef sales are currently subdued as supply and demand leveled following a heightened period of strong prices.

Whilst a true indication of prices were difficult to ascertain due to disturbances over the Christmas period, the latest report from EBLEX reckoned any potential upward pressure on prices has dissipated.

Concerns were growing by some farmers that the price would decline significantly.

Over the two-week holiday period, prices levelled at 383.2p/kg in the week ending 28 December. For the same week, the all prime average was almost unchanged compared with the last uninterrupted week before Christmas. Despite the end of year trend unlike the usual seasonal uplift, prime cattle average prices are still up 5% since the turn of 2013.7

In contrast, at GB auction marts in week ended 1 January, the all prime cattle average was up 11p over the past fortnight to 205.8p/kg. However, most of the increase was driven by improved trade in the week to 25 December as availability varied.

Whilst cull cow throughputs were markedly lower throughout the UK, the culling of cows last year, as prices were strong and forage stocks low, will certainly impact on the beef trade in coming months as more heifers will be required for breeding.

Despite a gloomy start to the year, total beef and veal production in the UK was still almost 5% lower year on year at 71,200 tonnes. This could influence supply, demand and c

Previously buyant beef prices have reached their peak and are starting to trough according to latest data from EBLEX. Beef sales are currently subdued as supply and demand leveled following a heightened period of strong prices.

Whilst a true indication of prices were difficult to ascertain due to disturbances over the Christmas period, the latest report from EBLEX reckoned any potential upward pressure on prices has dissipated.

Concerns were growing by some farmers that the price would decline significantly.

Over the two-week holiday period, prices levelled at 383.2p/kg in the week ending 28 December. For the same week, the all prime average was almost unchanged compared with the last uninterrupted week before Christmas. Despite the end of year trend unlike the usual seasonal uplift, prime cattle average prices are still up 5% since the turn of 2013.7

In contrast, at GB auction marts in week ended 1 January, the all prime cattle average was up 11p over the past fortnight to 205.8p/kg. However, most of the increase was driven by improved trade in the week to 25 December as availability varied.

Whilst cull cow throughputs were markedly lower throughout the UK, the culling of cows last year, as prices were strong and forage stocks low, will certainly impact on the beef trade in coming months as more heifers will be required for breeding.

Despite a gloomy start to the year, total beef and veal production in the UK was still almost 5% lower year on year at 71,200 tonnes. This could influence supply, demand and

Previously buyant beef prices have reached their peak and are starting to trough according to latest data from EBLEX. Beef sales are currently subdued as supply and demand leveled following a heightened period of strong prices.

Whilst a true indication of prices were difficult to ascertain due to disturbances over the Christmas period, the latest report from EBLEX reckoned any potential upward pressure on prices has dissipated.

Concerns were growing by some farmers that the price would decline significantly.

Over the two-week holiday period, prices levelled at 383.2p/kg in the week ending 28 December. For the same week, the all prime average was almost unchanged compared with the last uninterrupted week before Christmas. Despite the end of year trend unlike the usual seasonal uplift, prime cattle average prices are still up 5% since the turn of 2013.7

In contrast, at GB auction marts in week ended 1 January, the all prime cattle average was up 11p over the past fortnight to 205.8p/kg. However, most of the increase was driven by improved trade in the week to 25 December as availability varied.

Whilst cull cow throughputs were markedly lower throughout the UK, the culling of cows last year, as prices were strong and forage stocks low, will certainly impact on the beef trade in coming months as more heifers will be required for breeding.

Despite a gloomy start to the year, total beef and veal production in the UK was still almost 5% lower year on year at 71,200 tonnes. This could influence supply, demand and price going forward into 2014.