Winter puts pressure on cattle prices

- Published: 16 April, 2010

Page 6

The cost of housing and feeding beef through a long winter will lead to significantly higher beef store prices, a number of experts have predicted.

Hexham auctioneer Scott Donaldson said: "This long, harsh winter has put incredible pressure on store and suckled calf producers. With round-bale hay at £30 a bale, there is hardly any room leftfor profit."

Slaughterings are likely to reduce across 2010, with a probable rise in finished prices as a result.

Patrick Dennis, of West Country auctioneer Kivells, said: "Store prices are way too dear for finishers to make any margin, but they are hoping that beef values will pick up by the time those animals reach slaughter weight."