After four weeks of slight upward movement in the prices being paid for finished cattle, it seems most outlets have all held their price quotes for this week at the same levels as last week.
Conversations with cattle procurement staff would suggest that the wet weather, which is expected to continue into this week, is having an impact on finished cattle supplies.
Store cattle which were bought for grass in the past six weeks have remained housed on most farms. Many farmers have been supplementing these cattle with additional concentrates both to boost performance and to preserve fodder, which is fast becoming a scarce commodity on farms.
This could result in more cattle coming factory fit in the next eight to 10 weeks than was originally forecast and the question remains if it will cause a dip in supplies later in the year.
Factory quotes: Heifers and steers
Heifers are being quoted at 5.20/kg on the grid, with as high as €5.35/kg on the grid being quoted at the top-end of the price scale for suitable heifers with carcass weights ranging from 300-400kg.
To see the prices paid on a factory-by-factory basis for steers by grade, farmers can click here.
Steer (bullock) prices are currently being quoted at €5.15/kg on the grid generally speaking, but on the higher-end of the price scale, prices of €5.30/kg on the grid are being quoted for eligible steers with carcass weights ranging from 300-400kg.
Cow price
Cow price quotes have held for this week at most sites, but there remains a significant variation in price quotes between processors. Some factories are more anxious for certain types of cows than others and are able to pay a premium for suitable cows.
E.g., the Irish Limousin Cattle Society’s partnership with Ashbourne Meats sees up to €5.00/kg available for U grade cows, qualifying for the scheme.
In general this week, U-grade cows are being quoted at prices ranging from €4.70-4.90/kg. R-grade cows are being quoted at €4.60-4.70/kg.
O and P grade cows are being quoted at €4.35-4.50 and €4.20-4.40/kg respectively, with the higher-prices available for the better-type cows.
Bulls
Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at prices ranging from €5.35-5.45/kg for U grades, with €5.25-5.35/kg being quoted for R-grade bulls.
O grade bulls are being quoted at €5.10-5.15/kg and P grade bulls are being quoted at €5.00-5.05/kg, generally speaking. An additional 5c/kg is available in cases for in-spec bulls with suitable carcass weights.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €5.15/kg on the grid, generally speaking.