Scotland reveals recovery in prime cattle prices

Scotland reveals recovery in prime cattle prices

Prime cattle prices have made an almost unprecedented recovery which has seen a rise by eight per cent in the past four weeks, according to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) analysis.

QMS head of economic services, Stuart Ashworth.

QMS head of economic services, Stuart Ashworth.

“Scottish producers are seeing prices for cattle which are seven per cent higher per kilo than this time last year,” said Ashworth, QMS head of economic services.

Compared to 12 months ago, Scottish price-reporting abattoirs are showing a 25% decline in the number of young bulls slaughtered and a seven per cent decline in heifer numbers slaughtered, while steer numbers are little changed.

In contrast, English and Welsh price-reporting abattoirs have seen numbers increase for both heifers and steers over the past month. However, compared to a year ago, young bull numbers in England and Wales are down but steers and heifers up.

“In broad terms then, cattle are in tighter supply in Scotland than in England and Wales. So the basic rule of economics – namely reduced supply chases price higher – is currently at play,” Ashworth said.

Whilst prime cattle supplies in Great Britain are expected to remain lower than last year for much of the remainder of 2015, supplies of animals – which is dependent on carcase size as well as animal numbers – is expected to increase as we move into 2016.

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