In the week ending 2 December the GB all prime cattle measure rose for the fifth consecutive week to 366.59p/kg. The latest price is 0.84p higher than the week earlier and 15.84p more than the same week in 2016. While estimated slaughterings in the week ending 2 December recorded a slight decline (-1%) at 32,700 head, demand for prime animals reportedly remains strong. A number of factors, including consumer demand will influence whether this trend stays true over the coming weeks.
Overall, steer prices gained 1p on the week to average 367.5p/kg, while those meeting R4L specifications lost 0.3p week on week, at 379.4p/kg. The overall young bull price remained unchanged on the week at 344.3p/kg, while R4L carcases gained 3p to average 355p/kg. Heifer carcases recorded price increases on the week, with the overall measure gaining 0.3p to 368.4p/kg and R4L carcases rising by 0.2p to 379p/kg.