Market conditions have been described as looking “favourable” in Ireland’s key export markets for beef.
The Irish Farmers’ Association’s (IFA’s) national livestock chair Declan Hanrahan has said that “the UK beef price continues to increase week-on-week and is now 60c/kg above our [Irish beef] price.
He said that “across the EU, prices continue in a steady upward trajectory creating strong demand for Irish beef and ensuring the Bord Bia Prime Export Benchmark Price is rising faster than our beef prices”.
The IFA’s national livestock chair said the facts of the favourable market conditions “are very much at odds with the negative messages coming from some factories and their agents on beef price”.
He said projections for the year “are for increased demand for beef in the UK market with consumption levels predicted to grow, providing further opportunities for Irish beef to continue to build on the increased volumes which went to this key market in 2023”.
“Based on Bord Bia projections, there will be over 30,000 less finished cattle available to factories in the coming months and with strong growth projected in live exports, this deficit could grow.”
Declan Hanrahan said: “Factories are trying to dampen expectations on beef prices” and added that this “shows no regard for beef farmers who have made substantial investments in finishing cattle over the winter period and is unacceptable”.
The IFA National Livestock Chair said “beef farmers should not be misled by these unjustified attempts, dig in and sell hard”.
“Factories are anxious for cattle, have important customers to service and must reflect the reality of the market conditions in our key beef markets.”
Declan Hanrahan said prices up to 10c/kg above quotes are available from factories to secure cattle despite the negative talk.
According to the IFA, steers are making from €5.15-5.25/kg with heifers making from €5.20-5.30kg. Cows are ranging from €4.20-5.00kg. R and U grading Young Bulls are making from €5.30-5.50/kg.