By Patsy Hunter

Increased demand for prime beef coupled with an ongoing shortage of supplies has again bolstered the deadweight trade and prices achieved through the live ring, with prices up in virtually all sections on the week.

Latest figures show the 'All Scottish' average for steers and heifers rose almost 2p per deadweight kg to 421p, for a 13.1% decline in numbers. South of the Border, the same cattle increased by 0.5p to 410p, but for 3.9% fewer.

Young bulls also improved in all areas, with those in Scotland cashing in at just shy of 405p, which is up a penny on the previous seven days for almost 25% fewer, and rose in England and Wales rising a similar amount to level at 401p for 6.5% less.

Equally impressive has been the increased demand for all types of cattle south of the Border, which Darlington Farmers Mart director, market manager and auctioneer, Scott Ferrie, put down to more people holidaying at home, the return of summer weather and a tightening of supplies.

“We had a phenomenal trade last week, the best I have ever seen anywhere,” he said. “For the first time, we had heifers averaging more than 300p per kg with 24 cashing in at 314p while 73 young bulls averaged 236p per live kg, with 27 selling between 250 and 275p per kg and seven at more than £2000.”

Dairy bulls were also in the money, selling to 218p per kg or £1445.

“It’s a perfect time for finishers as everything is selling well, because it is peak holiday time down here and the weather has been fantastic for barbecues.

“We re also really lucky at Darlington as we have a market for all weights and grades of stock with so many independent customers and retailers buying.

“We’re also seeing a lot more local butchers buying and buying more which is all good news for the industry. The job ‘s a good un,” he said, adding that the good weather is allowing cereal growers to get on with harvest work which in turn could also curtail forthcoming beef cattle in the next couple of weeks.