A difficult spring has impacted the mart trade for cattle suited to go to grass, with prices edging back slightly in the last few weeks.

Data published by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) shows that prices paid for first quality store heifers up to 450kg averaged 510p/kg in the last week of March, down 20p/kg on the previous week and 40p/kg lower than the week before that.

Second quality heifers in the same weight bracket averaged 425p/kg, down 25p/kg over the same two week period, or £87.50 on a 350kg animal.

ADVERTISEMENT

It is a similar picture for steers weighing up to 400kg, with first quality lots averaging 530p/kg in the last week of March, down a total of 30p/kg on prices in the middle of last month.

Second quality lots averaged 450p/kg, also down 30p/kg over the same period. On a 350kg steer it is a £105 per head difference.

While prices for lighter stores have eased in recent weeks, they are still ahead of what was being paid at the start of the year and similar to prices last October.

Finishers

However, the prices listed by the LMC highlight the continued squeeze on beef finishers, with no easing in the prices being paid in marts for heavier cattle in recent weeks.

At the end of March, the price paid for first quality steers over 500kg averaged 440pkg, with that price fluctuating very little so far in 2026.

Last October the same animal averaged 428p/kg. On a 600kg steer it is a difference of £72 per head. Over the same period, beef prices have slipped 20p/kg.

The LMC price reports also suggest the dropped calf market is remaining very robust, with the price paid for first quality continental bulls averaging £860 in late March, up £160 per head since the start of the year. First quality continental heifers averaged £775, up £75 per head over the same period.

Second quality continental bulls averaged £600, up £100 per head, with second quality heifers at £530, up £30 per head since the start of the year.