THE fine balance in the prime cattle trade has been influenced by increased numbers coming forward in the latest week, at a time when consumer demand is seasonally low.

AHDB estimates suggests that, in week ended 21 January, throughputs were up by 1300 head on the week, largely on the back of more bullocks coming forward. Consequently, the GB all prime average came back a penny on the week earlier to average 350.9p/kg deadweight. Despite that minor setback it is worth noting that prices have started the year around 20p ahead of the position they were in at the start of 2016.

Meanwhile, since the turn of the year, the cull cow market has been somewhat firm. In the latest week, the -04L price was up 2p on the week earlier to average 240.8p/kg deadweight. Demand for cows at the right age and grade is good at the moment. This gives an indication that processors' stocks are not overly high and that both domestic and continental demand is in a healthy position.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 306 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 257p per kg and an average of 207p (-12.1p on the week), while 473 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 269p and levelled at 219p (-4.4p). Thirty-two store, B&W bullocks sold to 214p and averaged 154.8p (+20p).

In the rough ring 123 beef cows sold to £1350 per head and 168p per kg to average 116p (-14.2p), while thirty-two dairy cows peaked at £1290 and 141p to level at 107p (+11.7p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 214p and an average of 211p.

There were 49 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to £1244.10 and 143p to average 111.1p, while dairy cows peaked at £991.20 and 119p to level at 107.6p.

The firm also sold 365 prime hoggs to a top of £85 per head and 190p per kg to average 156.8p (-5.5p)

A nice show of 274 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £84.50 for Suffolks and average £60.57 (-£1.83), while light ewes peaked at £63.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £41.95 (-£1.21).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd had 1176 prime lambs forward in Newton Stewart on Wednesday when the auctioneer reports that heavy, fit lambs were easier to sell on the week, although plainer types were cheaper. Top prices on the day were £80.20 and 184.4p with the overall average levelling at 156.1p (-4.5p).

There were also 190 cast sheep that met a similar trade to last week with ewes selling to £88 for Suffolks and £46 for Blackfaces.