Great Britain beef prices to increase on tighter cattle supply

Tighter cattle supplies across Britain and in Ireland will drive on beef prices in 2010.

Cattle prices in Britain are ranging from EUR3.27 to EUR3.34 (US$4.65 to US$4.75) per kg, according to Irish Farmers' Association's livestock committee chairman Michael Doran.

That is an increase from Irish factories' prices of EUR2.94 (US$4.2) per kg, he said.

Meanwhile, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association beef committee chairman Sean Scully said there is little change in the beef trade this week with prices for steers at EUR2.94 (US$4.2) per kg and up to EUR3 (US$4.27) per kg for in-spec cattle.

Scully, who called on farmers to withhold cattle because of the current prices, accused processors and retailers of putting short-term greed ahead of long-term food security.