Beef
A Guide to Artificial Calf Colostrum
There are many artificial colostrum products available for dairy and beef calves. They are labelled as either colostrum supplements, colostrum replacers or can be classed as both and it is important to know when to use which product. A replacer is there to completely replace the first feed of maternal colostrum. A supplement should be…
Business and Policy September 2025 – Beef
Falling consumer demand and imported beef impacting on finished prices After a volatile spring, trade for prime cattle rose last month following a period of lower slaughterings, helping to rebalance the market. The start of August saw finishers quietly filled with cautious optimism following several weeks of stable deadweight prices with prices edging upwards. However,…
Business and Policy August 2025 – Beef
Sharp decline in beef prices levelling off as beef remains in tight supply After several weeks of finished price declines – 70p/kg beef drop in 6 weeks – deadweight prime cattle prices in Scotland have been more stable since the week of the Highland show, with price reductions averaging 1p at the end of June…
Business and Policy July 2025 – Beef
Beef prices What a difference a month can make! Deadweight steers in Scotland averaged £7.15 per kg in mid-May, up by £2.20/kg compared with the same week last year. However, over the past six weeks finished beef prices have fallen, currently sitting at around £6.40 – £6.50/kg/dwt for R4L grades. At £6.40/kg a 380kg carcase…
Calving Intervals and Small Herds
Calving Intervals are one of many Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used in any suckler herd to assess how a herd is performing. Although some consideration is needed when applying these to small herds (see Performance Targets for Small Herds). Calving Intervals now have implications for support payments for all herd sizes. This…
Business and Policy June 2025 – Beef
Young bull numbers impacting on prices Deadweight steers in Scotland averaged 715p/kg in mid-May, up by £2.20p/kg compared with the same week last year. However, as predicted, slaughter availability has seen an uplift in May which has contributed to processors dropping prices. For two consecutive weeks, finished beef prices have dropped back by over 10p/kg/dwt….
Business and Policy May 2025 – Beef
Prices top £7 per kilo An unprecedented beef trade continues, with finished prices surpassing £7/kg, for the first time, as demand for beef continues to be outstripped by supply. At the start of April finished deadweight beef prices were sitting at 705p/kg, compared with 516p/kg in November, a reflection of the demand for beef. Finished…
Agribusiness News April 2025 – Beef
Up and Up Beef price increases continue with finished cattle prices on the brink of £7/kg/deadweight or close to £3,000 liveweight, with prices expected to surge past £7/kg/dwt at the start of April. Reports are suggesting finished prices could reach £8/kg by the end of this spring. With weekly price increases, beef prices throughout March…
Agribusiness News March 2025 – Beef
Beef prices rocket Finished beef prices have again risen throughout February. Only a few months ago, prices were breaking records at £5/kg/dwt, however, prices have since rocketed above £6/kg/dwt. Prices are now up by more than 25% on the year and over 50% higher than the five-year average, sitting around 645-650p/kg/dwt, with Aberdeen Angus cattle…
Agribusiness News February 2025 – Beef
Short Supply & Record Prices Continue Currently finished beef prices are at record levels. Never have finishers seen prices at these levels in January. Prices at abattoirs and in the live ring have rocketed, with consumer demand and tightening cattle supplies leading to a growing shortage of all types of cattle. Deadweight prices post-Christmas were…