Cattle prices were once again on a high in the week ending April 20 with native bred cattle attracting significant price premiums and R4L steers up above the 400 p/kg mark.

According to EBLEX, in-spec cattle have been difficult to source which has meant prices have escalated for quality cattle while those not meeting the retail requirements have seen prices squeezed somewhat.

The GB all prime cattle indicator increased 3p on the week levelling at 390.6 p/kg, a 50p/kg (or 15%) uplift on the year. R4L steers stood at 400.1 p/kg, a rise of 6p since the start of April. EBLEX also reckons this is up 30 p/kg since the horse meat scandals started.

Cull cows stood strong too as plenty demand for well fleshed animals which have a good finish on them has lifted trade 8p over a three week period to average 302.2 p/kg in the week ending April 20, for -04L cows. This is a rise of 30p compared to trade in Febuary and if demand continues to outstrip supply, markets are likely to firm even more ahead of the barbeque season.

In grain and oilseeds markets, trade was down for the close of the week ending April 20. Emerging information is likely to influence markets in the coming weeks as rain is clearing up drought in some states while others further south remain dry, not ideal conditions for crops.

In Europe, wheat production estimates were lowered according to Strategie Grains who reckon UK output will be around 11.8 million tons (Mt), down 0.3 Mt. While weather from now until harvest will be a key decider a range of 10.9 Mt to 12.5 Mt has been predicted.

At close of play on Friday 19 April, UK LIFFE wheat stod at £196/t (May-13) and £186.65/t for November. A slight decrease on the week.

More information available from Farming Online’s commodities page.