Tight grass supplies and a strong market have encouraged more farmers to offload cattle early, with various marts reporting a 30% to 50% increase in numbers in the last two weeks over what they would normally expect at this time of the year.

In some cases the numbers being offered are in line with the peak usually seen in October. With more cattle coming out now, it should act to flatten out the traditional flush of cattle normally seen in the autumn.

According to mart managers, more farmers with smaller herds are also opting to sell finished cattle live rather than try to negotiate with factories.

Underpinning the confidence seen in the marts is a record beef trade, and analysis of prices paid in marts for prime steers shows animals are making £100 to £150 more compared to this time last year.

Over the past four weeks, prices for top quality U grading steers have averaged 255p/kg, with heifers at 237p/kg.

Compared to the same period last year, top quality 700kg steers are currently worth £154 more, with heifers up £63.

Plainer cattle

However, the difference between 2020 and 2021 narrows down the grades. On finished R-grade type steers, prices have averaged 231p/kg in recent weeks compared to 214p/kg last year.

Cows

As well as top-end prime cattle, cull cows are also an exceptionally strong trade in the marts, especially for suckler types. During July, top quality slaughter-fit cows have averaged 202p/kg with plainer types on 168p/kg. Last year, top quality cows were worth 188p/kg with plainer lots around the 150p/kg mark.

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