The live trade for cattle continues to perform strongly as good demand for finished cattle has filtered through to local marts.

Based on MartWatch data, prices for good quality U grade steers are running 35p/kg to 40p/kg ahead of the same period last year, equating to an extra £210 to £240 per head.

Forward U grade steers are currently averaging 217p/kg and recorded a small increase of 2p/kg on last week. Last May, the same class of animal was averaging 179p/kg.

With strong competition between buyers, plainer cattle are also benefitting from the growing demand for forward cattle.

Prices for average quality steers weighing over 600kg are currently 197p/kg, up 15p/kg on last week which amounts to £90 on a 600kg animal. Last year, the same animal was selling for 169p/kg, equating to a difference of £168 per head.

Friesian-type cattle have increased by £180 per head, or 30p/kg on last week, selling to an average of 172p/kg. This time last year, these dairy-bred animals were making 136p/kg which is a difference of £216 per head.

Heifers

Prices for forward heifers are averaging 214p/kg for U grade animals, with plainer animals averaging 192p/kg. In May 2016, U grade heifers were at 188p/kg, and plainer types at 171p.

Based on a 580kg heifer, this amounts to a price difference of £150 on U grade animals and £122 for plainer lots.