How to capitalise on store cattle trade

All-time-high for UK cattle prices

Beef farmers wanting to capitalise on record-high store prices are being advised to creep feed cattle to get them to market sooner.

Store cattle prices have been at all time high recently – and producers with spring calving suckler herds have been looking to get the most for their stock once suckled calf sales commence.

“Given the buoyancy of the beef trade in recent months, suckler producers are looking to get calves on to creep earlier than normal,” says Alister Davies, UK beef and sheep commercial manager for ForFarmers.

Prices are being supported by a shortage of beef. UK beef production increased by 2% to 75,900 tonnes in May, according to Defra.

But this increase is still 4% less than May 2024 and demand continues to outstrip supply.

The Livestock Auctioneers Association reports some store cattle selling for up to £2840, with commercial cattle selling to 558p/kg – unprecedented levels for an industry going through some tough times.

The financial benefit of creep feeding is clear to see, says Mr Davies.

“The cost of creep compared to the cost of liveweight was for many years, pound for pound, but now it pays to feed these animals.

“If calves are eating 2kg of creep every day, worth £1.20 daily, while converting at 4:1, there is great potential for additional growth at the age when they are most efficient.”

The purpose of creep feeding is to make more of the animal’s favourable conversion rate at an early age, while calves get used to hard feed, helping with the transition to weaning.

“By feeding calves in this way, animals can get to market sooner, and the money in the bank more quickly,” says Mr Davies.

Specialist diet

“Supplementary feeding with a specialist diet for growing and creep feeding systems will encourage frame development, maximise rumen health and improve feed efficiency.

“Feed up to 4kg/head/day or 1kg/100kg liveweight in growing cattle or ad-lib in calf creep feeding systems. We recommend a nut such as Prime Rearer 16 + Levucell SC Titan.”

When animals are introduced to a rearer diet, it should be a gradual process over seven days with a source of fibre and access to water.

Mr Davies says: “Opt for a high energy and starch nut which is balanced in sugar and fibre to promote growth and good rumen health. The 16% protein encourages muscle growth and frame development.”

Chaos in wake of Defra’s blue tongue rule

Entries for pedigree livestock sales are being withdrawn following Defra’s decision to declare a blue tongue zone across England.

Cross-border trading from Ireland has become more challenging, says James Little, of Harrison & Hetherington. While stock can still come over, it’s certainly not straightforward, he says.

New restrictions are going to severely restrict trade, says Mr Little. “With the logistical hurdles and health regulations in place, it’s effectively a one-way ticket, and this situation has already impacted our pedigree business.”

For those vendors who are vaccinating against blue tongue, Mr Little says H&H are consulting with our customers to understand what stock they will consider and what health conditions they require.

The challenge could be a taste of things to come. Incoming EID regulations for cattle, scheduled for implementation in 2027, will see England use a low-frequency tagging system, while Scotland is pushing ahead with high-frequency tags.

“These two systems are not compatible, and there is no evidence of joined up thinking between the two nations on this issue,” explains Mr Little.

Just like with blue tongue, the lack
of coordination is creating real headaches for farmers and markets alike.