The latest report from the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) indicates that Irish heifer prices decreased by 6.1c/kg from December 31, 2017, to January 28, 2018.

Furthermore, during this period, R3 heifer prices in the Republic of Ireland were 7.9c/kg behind what R3 heifers made in Northern Ireland and 17.5c/kg lower than the equivalent price in Britain.

In Ireland, the prices achieved by R3 heifers stood at 400.1c/kg for the week ending January 28. This is a decrease of 6.1c/kg from the 406.2c/kg paid to Irish farmers during the week ending December 31.

This drops Ireland’s heifers down to seventh place in the overall EU standings; compared to fourth place at the end of December. In addition, Britain was a non-mover and is placed third, while Northern Ireland has moved up to fourth place.

However, Irish R3 heifer prices stand at 9.5c/kg higher than the EU average, figures from the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) show.

heifer

Source LMC

In Northern Ireland, the R3 heifer price was the equivalent of 408c/kg – a rise of 2.6c/kg on December returns.

The gap between the R3 heifer price in Northern Ireland and the EU average widened from 15c/kg during the week ending December 31 to 17.4c/kg during the week ending January 28.

For the week ending January 28, in Britain, R3 heifer prices equalled the equivalent of 417.6c/kg. This was a decrease of 2.1c/kg from the 419.7c/kg paid during the week ending December 31.

Furthermore, the differential between R3 heifer prices in Britain and the EU average fell from 29.2c/kg to 27c/kg.

In January, heifers slaughtered in Northern Ireland and in Britain made €24 and €51 respectively more than heifers in the Republic of Ireland – when based on a 300kg heifer carcass.

Other European prices

France has remained in eight place in the standings. R3 heifers made 385c/kg during the week ending January 28  – a drop of 2c/kg on the previous month’s figures.

Figures from the LMC also show that Swedish farmers continued to receive the highest price for R3 heifers – at 458.1c/kg – while Italy retained second place with a R3 heifer price of 422.2c/kg.

Both Spain and Luxembourg are also ranked higher than Ireland. In January, heifers achieved prices of 406.1c/kg in Spain and 404.4c/kg in Luxembourg.