Increased supplies of finished beef cattle in Scotland mean steers and heifers hitting the R4L spec are selling for less than anywhere else in the Britain.

Latest figures for the end of January, show an overall steer average in Scotland of 406.1p per deadweight kg, while those grading R4L were making 410.9p. This compares to those in southern, central and the north of England at 418.2p, 415p and 420.9p, respectively.

Similarly, heifers averaged 407.8p per kg in Scotland for the same week, while those hitting 'spec balanced out at 412.3p, against those in the south of England at 414.8p. Heifers grading R4L in central and the north of England were higher still at 417.2p and 418.3p, respectively.

According to Duncan Wyatt, lead analyst of the red meat sector at AHDB, overall supplies of cattle throughout Britain remain relatively tight, however, Scottish cattle numbers in the 18-24 month age group at October 1, last year were slightly higher than the same point a year ago, which ultimately will be affecting trade.

Other factors at play include covid related staff levels in particular abattoirs, and changes in contracted volumes as demand moves back from retail into foodservice. However, he warned, that the relative weakness in Scottish cattle prices could last a little longer.

There was little improvement in the sheep sector this week too, going by the early live markets.

After a disappointing end of January for the sector, there was a slight improvement in some areas, with values holding firm and often for increased numbers.

On Monday, prices south of the Border levelled at 269.3p per live kg, up 2.6p on the previous week and for an extra 11%. The SQQ was 274.8p, a rise of 2.7p and for 4.5% more.

Prices were similar on Tuesday too, with the overall average cashing in at 267.5p, a rise of 1.3p on the previous seven days and for an extra 8%, with the SQQ sitting at 272.1p, up 1.5p for an extra 2.4%.

In Scotland, prices remained similar on Monday, for an extra 14%, with the overall and SQQ levelling at 267.1p and 271.6p, respectively, with Tuesday's values slipping slightly, and for fewer numbers.