The continued fall in prime beef values look set to have major repercussions on those who have in effect caused them, with cattle supplies available for beef production down more than 57,000 on the year.

Figures from the British Cattle Movement Service show that the number of cattle available in the short term (dairy males and beef animals of either sex) between the ages of 12-30months, was 57,300 head lower, or -3.1% at January 1, 2020, compared the same date in 2019.

Looking further ahead, the number of these cattle under 12 months of age is 21,000 head lower (-1.1%), which points to lower beef production in the next year or two.

However, how much lower will also depend on carcase weights, and any changes in the size of the breeding herd over that time. If the breeding herd continues to fall, as it has been, then fewer replacements will be required and this will support beef production.

As at January 1, there were 1.491m dairy cows, 3.1% lower (47,800 head) year on year, and 1.437m beef cows, 1.8% lower (26,300 head).

Yet, despite reduced numbers in the system, prime values remain disappointingly low, with little if any change on the week.

Latest deadweight figures for the week ending February 15, show that while the GB all heifer average improved marginally by 0.5p per kg to level at 335.5p per kg, the all steer average slipped 0.1p to 333.4p, and that was with reduced supplies on the week in both sections at -0.2% and -2.2% respectively.

Young bulls slipped 3.8p to average 309.8p, with the cow trade the only sector to witness an increase on the previous seven days (+1.9p) at 232.4p. Again, supplies were down -4.6% and -1.6%, respectively.

Scottish values did show a small improvement amongst the steers, rising 1.7p to 346.9p, while heifers slipped half a penny to 347.5p. Cows in Scotland also improved marginally by 0.3p to 250.6p with young bulls falling 3.1p to 319.8p.

Again, supplies were mostly down, with young bull and cow numbers falling a massive 14.7% and 3.7%, respectively, while steers and heifers rose by almost 1%.

Add to that rising store cattle prices on the back of reduced numbers available, as the national beef herd continues to fall, and finishers are having a real rough time of it with the only plus point of 2020 being adequate supplies of good quality forages.

Most markets are witnessing falling store cattle numbers, with two of the biggest centres seeing supplies down as much as 300-500 head per week, on the year.

At Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ Thainstone Centre,last week, some 494 bullocks cashed in at 232.9p with 450 heifers at 223.9p. This compares to the same sale in 2019 which saw 795 steers average 229.2p, with 522 heifers at 214.5p.

It was a similar story at United Auctions’ Stirling Centre too, which saw 848 bullocks average 227.7p and 607 heifers level at 220.9p, against 1088 steers at 223.5p and 809 heifers at 217.3p, at the corresponding event in 2019.