July 7, 2009

Prices of commercial beef breeding cattle in the UK have increased by more than one-third since last October, according to latest figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) meat services.

Sired breeding cow prices averaged GBP1,289 a head in May, 22-percent or GBP230 more than May 2008, as prices followed the usual seasonal trend and generally stronger beef markets.

Since the start of 2009, beef sired pedigree bull prices have been consistently higher. Average values for 18-24 month-old pedigree bulls peaked in February at GBP4,924 a head, 20-percent higher year-on-year.

The AHDB figures also showed that dairy cattle prices had increased, but to a lesser extent. Prices peaked at GBP1,440 a head in February this year, up two-percent year-on-year. However, average prices that month were 14-percent higher than the same period last year.

Dairy cow prices eased in March and April, but strengthened to average GBP1,327 a head in June.

US$1 = GBP0.614173 (Jul 7)