New ABP cattle price grid

[Raider112]

Been thinking for a while they should be updating the grid to reflect the current price, they have now updated it but there doesn't seem to be much change.
If we take as an example beef at £3.40/kg a few years ago, the difference between R= and U+ was 20p, if we take that on to say £5.10/kg, allowing for the price being half as much again there shoud now be 30p/kg difference between the grades but it is still at 20p.

Are we now losing out on the best cattle or am I missing something?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

£80 difference between an R and a U + deadweight… £300 difference in the stores

 

[goodevans]

U+ 5% better x 700kg =35 kg ×£5.16 so at least getting closer,but I do agree on the difference, it hasnt kept up,

 

[harperfarmer]

Been thinking for a while they should be updating the grid to reflect the current price, they have now updated it but there doesn't seem to be much change.
If we take as an example beef at £3.40/kg a few years ago, the difference between R= and U+ was 20p, if we take that on to say £5.10/kg, allowing for the price being half as much again there shoud now be 30p/kg difference between the grades but it is still at 20p.

Are we now losing out on the best cattle or am I missing something?

It just shows they are quite happy with R grades and if breeding them to finish yourself it isn't worth the extra risks/costs involved to try and breed those high end E grade types. If selling as stores its a different kettle of fish as there are still men who are desperate for those best cattle and pay accordingly. Now we finish all of our own I'm not as fussed about trying for those best end but it can be hard to wean yourself oft it as its always nice to produce those higher quality types.

 

[Raider112]

U+ 5% better x 700kg =35 kg ×£5.16 so at least getting closer,but I do agree on the difference, it hasnt kept up,

Good point, it also applies to @Northeastfarmer's point too.

 

[harperfarmer]

Been thinking for a while they should be updating the grid to reflect the current price, they have now updated it but there doesn't seem to be much change.
If we take as an example beef at £3.40/kg a few years ago, the difference between R= and U+ was 20p, if we take that on to say £5.10/kg, allowing for the price being half as much again there shoud now be 30p/kg difference between the grades but it is still at 20p.

Are we now losing out on the best cattle or am I missing something?

I actually mentioned this to our agent at ABP a while back and whilst he could see my point he just laughed and said it won't change. Ultimately I'm happier that the R's are over £5 rather than being lower base but higher premium for E's.

 

[tr250]

Abp have upped the weight limit for lambs this spring as they are short so I guess they can if they need to they just don’t want to

 

[dannewhouse]

I find above R grade cattle sell better live weight unless overly fat

Below better DWT

 

[Northeastfarmer]

I find above R grade cattle sell better live weight unless overly fat

Below better DWT

Had some U+ cattle dead this week virtually £2200

 

[Raider112]

I find above R grade cattle sell better live weight unless overly fat

Below better DWT

I would say you need a U to be better up here.

 

[Stw88]

I always think there isn’t the premium on a U or especially E on lambs compared to what they would be live. But then there many not that bothered about that spec of lamb.

 

[Optimus]

That's why I like the Angus job.£80 better on same grades an generally finishing quicker.

 

[Hilly]

That's why I like the Angus job.£80 better on same grades an generally finishing quicker.

Shhh you will upset the haters again, dont tell them .

 

[Optimus]

Shhh you will upset the haters again, dont tell them .

I don't think there's much to worry about

 

[dannewhouse]

Had some U+ cattle dead this week virtually £2200

What price were you on for them? 5.20?

£2200 / 5.20 = 423kg DWT
423/0.57 kill out percent? 742 LWT

2200/742 = 2.96 per kg LWT

Be very surprised if a U didn't do better than that live.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

What price were you on for them? 5.20?

£2200 / 5.20 = 423kg DWT
423/0.57 kill out percent? 742 LWT

2200/742 = 2.96 per kg LWT

Be very surprised if a U didn't do better than that live.

£5.20
60% ko
£2190/ 670 = £3.26 live

 

[Plain steer]

The new grid they are not hammering the o grades as much as they were , they are coming into line with dunbia and kepak,s grid

 

[dannewhouse]

£5.20
60% ko
£2190/ 670 = £3.26 live

Ye
Basically depends on kill out which is an estimate untill it's happened.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

which is an estimate untill it's happened.

Just like a live weight price…

 

[jondear]

Chap I know said price dropping next week .No idea why .!His buyer phoned him to tell him !