Beef
The prime beef farmgate price has been on an upward trajectory since July. The GB deadweight all-steer price has risen by over 35p per kg over that time to average 513.8p per kg and some 524.5p per kg for those hitting R4L specification. The all-steer price is 31.9p per kg more that at the same time in 2023. Furthermore the strong prices look set to continue as seasonal demand continues to outpace supplies of cattle, as we move into procurement for the Christmas period. Demand is reported to be strong across both retail and foodservice sectors. Data from Kantar for the 12 weeks ending 29th September shows an additional 2,100 tonnes of beef purchased compared to 2023.
In contrast, the cull cow price has shown a decline as record numbers come forward ahead of winter housing. The deadweight price fell by 2p per kg to 353.6ppkg for the week ending 19th October.
Sheep
The GB new season lamb SQQ price has been easing downwards since the end of August, but looks to be stabilising as deadweight prices increased 1p per kg for the week ending 19th October to average 618.5ppkg. Over this time the difference between 2024 and 2023 prices has narrowed, but 2024 values are still 48p per kg higher than last year. Tight supplies continue to support farmgate prices; the GB clean sheep kill to the week ending 19th October is estimated to be down by 8.5% on the year to 8.46m head. However, demand is also strong. According to the latest Kantar data, for the 12 weeks ending 29th September, lamb outperformed the total grocery market, with a 5.5% increase in volumes purchased. This, combined with a 4.8% increase in average prices paid, resulted in a 10.6% increase in retail spend on lamb products in this period.