Finally, this week farmers are beginning to see quotes rise across all age categories of animals. Some processors are finding supplies are beginning to tighten, as farmers are holding back stock in the hope of a further increase in price.

In-spec steers have received a lift of 5c/kg this week as quotes are tallying to €3.65/kg, with farmers negotiating deals of up to €3.70/kg. While in the heifer trade, prices are now generally being quoted at €3.70/kg from most factories.

The cow trade has also experienced a rise this week, as processors begin to see a decline in the glut of cow numbers which had been seen in previous weeks.

This rise in trade has also been seen in marts across the country, as factories are now willing to pay that bit extra for finishing cows.

Also Read: Mart report: Northern activity increased across marts last week

Quality-assured cows achieving a U-grade are back up to €3.20-3.30/kg with most processors, while R-grades are trading at €3.10/kg.

After weeks of decline, P-grades are now receiving quotes from €2.70-2.80/kg and O-grades are selling at €2.90/kg.

Bulls under 16-months-old, which are in-spec, are now being offered from €3.60-3.65/kg on the grid.

The more aged bulls under 24-months-old are now priced at €3.70/kg for U-grades, €3.55-3.60/kg for R-grades and ranging from €3.35/kg to €3.50/kg for O-grades.

Throughput

The throughput of cattle processed for the week ending November 22, suffered a decline of 2,446 head in comparison to the previous week – as a total of 36,767 head were slaughtered.

The figures released for the cumulative beef kill, this year to-date, is tallying to 1,588,682 head. This total is continuing to race ahead of 2019 figures, during the same period, by 27,982 head.

The number of heifers processed experienced the largest weekly decrease of 1,473 head. Last week a total of 10,751 head of heifers passed through factory gates – which in comparison to the same week last year, is 554 head behind the numbers that were killed.

Some processors were noting this week that young bulls are beginning to come more available. Figures are beginning to reflect this, as a weekly increase of 333 head was recorded last week – with a total of 2,763 head of young bulls being brought forward.

Week-on-week beef kill changes (week ending November 22):

  • Steers: 14,301 head (-1,145 head);
  • Heifers: 10,751 head (-1,437 head);
  • Cows: 8,346 head (-125 head);
  • Young bulls: 2,763 head (+333 head);
  • Bulls: 606 head (-36 head);
  • Total: 36,767 head (-2,446 head).
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BEEF TRADE