Despite some cracking prices at live shows and sales through the auction mart on the run up to Christmas, deadweight prime cattle prices are on the slide and expected to continue heading south.

Most of the processors dropped base rates to below 450p this week, with many now nearer 445p – almost 10p per dwkg less compared to the all average for steers and heifers of the previous seven days.

Latest values for the week ending November 26, show steer values in Scotland down 3.0p on the week to level at 454.1p per deadweight kg, with heifers unchanged at 454.2p.

Young bulls fell just shy of 4p on the week to balance out at 435.3p and cows are down to 357.8p - down 1.1p.

More worrying however, is the fact that more cows are being cashed and are likely to continue being sold when the trade for such animals is so high.

“We’re selling more cows than ever,” said Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ prime cattle auctioneer Tim McDonald.

“Last week we sold 330 – 80 more than at the same sale last year and they made £332 more per head, on the same event.

“With the cost of living crisis there is not the same demand for steaks, so the market for cull cows has soared when such animals don’t have to be hung. There is also an increased demand for cow beef in France and The Netherlands where cow steaks are perceived to have more taste and flavour than clean cattle, and they are cheaper to buy.”

In saying that, while more cows are being put away, the mart is not seeing an increase in herd dispersals compared to previous years.

“Everyone has tidied up their herds by selling those with health issues or failed to hold to the bull, which has reduced numbers from 150 to nearer 110-120, but, they are not adding to them,” said Mr McDonald.

Interestingly, despite the huge increase in feed costs, store cattle values are holding up better than expected with prices per head for the year to date similar to those of last year. Prices per kg, interestingly – bullocks at 247p and heifers at 236p at last Friday’s sale – were up 10-12p on the year.

Breeding cattle sold throughout the year at Thainstone have proved more positive, with those with spring calves up on the year, while those with autumn-born calves have remained on a par.

What is more concerning for all Scottish markets is the number of stores heading south for finishing and the rise in prime cattle being sold south of the Border where there are more buyers looking for cattle of all specifications.

“There is a real threat of the Scottish premium being lost when an increasing number of Scottish-bred cattle are heading south to be sold where they can often attract more money,” concluded Mr McDonald.