Beef prices can be expected to remain relatively strong for the foreseeable future due to scarcity in cow supplies, according to a leading Scottish livestock farmer.
Andrew Ewing from Dumfries judged the beef inter-breed championship class at this year’s Omagh Show.
He told Agriland: “Cow numbers continue to decline. It’s all about supply and demand.
“The cattle aren’t in the system at the present time.
“It will take time to build suckler numbers back up again, even on the back of a strong beef market.”

Meanwhile, Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) chief executive, Colin Smith has confirmed that the first six months of 2025 have delivered record cattle and sheep prices in Northern Ireland.
He said the weather has also played its part in delivering the almost perfect start to the grazing and silage seasons.
Smith told Agriland: “Looking ahead, there are grounds for optimism as continuing pressure on cattle and sheep numbers should act to underpin beef and lamb prices.
“But in tandem with this, there is a need to secure a sustainable way forward where the issues of bovine tuberculosis eradication and the ongoing Nitrates’ Action Programme public consultation are concerned.”
According to the LMC representative, UK consumers have demonstrated a demand for high-quality beef and lamb over recent years, and are prepared to pay accordingly, provided what they are buying has the correct provenance and traceability.
He said: “Northern Ireland’s beef and sheep sectors have a tremendous story to tell. Our farming systems are unique and reflect best practice.
“However, we must ensure the narrative is accurate when it comes to getting this message across to consumers throughout the UK and beyond.”
Red meat protein
Smith believes that the demand for beef and lamb is strong among UK consumers.
“The facts speak for themselves: consumers want to include high-quality, red meat protein in their diets,” he said.
“They understand that beef and lamb contribute a natural source of many vitamins and minerals integral to a healthy lifestyle.
“Adding to this is the recognition that beef and lamb are extremely versatile meats with an extremely high taste value.”
Meanwhile, the UK’s retail sector remains the premium outlet for farm quality assured beef and lamb in Europe.
The LMC’s chief executive added: “It is vital that the UK supermarkets continue to support beef and lamb produced here in Northern Ireland.
“Making this happen will require the LMC to continually communicate the tremendous quality of the cattle and sheep produced here and the unique attributes of the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality assurance Scheme – this process is ongoing.”