October 5, 2004

Scotland Sees Slump In Beef Cattle Prices
 

Average beef cattle prices in Scotland have slumped by £70 a head in six weeks, according to the National Beef Association and NFU Scotland yesterday.

Robert Robinson, beef association chairman, said that deadweight prices had fallen from 208p per kilo to 188p in that time, "Coming just before the big autumn sales of store cattle and suckled calves, that is undermining consumer confidence. With changes in common agricultural policy and the single farm payment from next year, the slaughter and retail sectors should be doing all they can to persuade beef farmers to increase, or at least maintain, commitment."

Producers would see little future for their business unless they could get about 250p per kilo, he said.

Bob Howat, NFU Scotland vice-president, said, "Processors and some retailers say they have concerns over future beef supplies when the support system changes. Yet the prices being paid say the opposite."

Part of the problem is attributed to the number of beef cattle that are considered by-product of milk production.