October 14, 2011
UK's beef, lamb prices up
As compared to last year, UK cattle producers are gaining from the increase in beef and lamb prices.
Deadweight cattle prices are continuing to show consistent improvements in price over the summer, the NFU said.
Livestock board chairman and Cumbrian farmer Alistair Mackintosh said that it's good to see the seasonality not occurring, for once farmers have got more control over the prices they receive and prices are going in the right direction.
It comes on the back of positive figures in the English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex) report, which said that 83% of red meat sold in domestic supermarkets, is now British. Of this, 56% of beef and 65% of lamb now carries the Red Tractor logo.
However, there has been a softening in the lamb trade because of seasonality, although prices are still higher than last year. Ewe lamb retention is also up, which Mr Mackintosh said showed confidence in the industry.
Meanwhile, the NFU is continuing to lobby the Government and the EU on making a decision on whether EID derogation can be extended to the historic flock.