Beef back to the top

BEEF prices have rebounded after they slipped slightly last week as demand for good quality, finished cattle continues to increase.
Last Wednesday’s prime sale at VLE Leongatha saw prices jump by up to 25 cent per kilogram with competition increasing as the sale progressed.
There was a full field of buyers present, competing in a dearer market with the aid of strong interstate support for heavy export lines.
Landmark livestock coordinator Eddie Hams said the sale reached record prices.
He said despite being in the clutches of winter, numbers are staying high with around 1500 in the pens, a decrease of just over 600 head week-on-week.
“Cows were dear, bullocks were very dear and trade cattle also were very dear,” he said.
Quality was mixed at the sale with a smaller selection of grown steers and bullocks while the cow offering held very few lines showing any finish.
“We have had some very good quality cattle over the last few weeks, but after this cold snap the quality may drop off a little bit,” Mr Hams said.
For store cattle, interest from feedlots and local farmers keen to restock after recent rain are also driving up prices.
Mr Hams said the demand for cattle, for both the domestic and export market was remaining strong.
“Feedlot operators are pushing prices up for store cattle at the present moment. They are putting plenty of cattle into lots, because they are lacking supply, that is the greatest thing,” he said.
“All of the abattoirs are working because they have got to keep their numbers up, although most of them are not killing as many days per week at the moment.”
Mr Hams said a new abattoir has opened at Trafalgar and is buying cows regularly from VLE Leongatha.
“That is one good for thing for dairy farmers. They are fortunate at the moment because the beef job is so good,” he said.

Come back: Landmark livestock coordinator Eddie Hams said beef prices are staying high, driven by high demand from both the domestic and export market.

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Posted by Sarah Vella on Jul 19 2016. Filed under Rural News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry