Can the upward trend in beef prices continue? Both industry analysts and auctioneers seem to be of the opinion that it can, or at least maintain current levels.
At the moment, consumers seem to be prepared to pay a premium for high-quality British beef, but surely at some point it must reach a limit.
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Strong demand coupled with tight supply is driving the high finished prices. This is feeding back down the chain with store cattle trade reaching unprecedented levels, right back down to stirk and calf prices which are also seeing big rises. Cull cow prices are also hitting record levels as the demand for processing meat increases.
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This confidence also seems to be continuing into the pedigree trade with record averages set at this week's Stirling Bull Sales. Many bulls went to commercial buyers, which is perhaps a sign that there is a bit more positivity in the suckler section which has been in decline for so long.
While all this sounds very positive, it is not all about farmers making a big profit. Input costs continue to rise and for many the challenge is refilling the sheds once cattle have been sold, which given current store cattle prices, can leave a hefty hole in the bank balance.
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