The beef trade steadied this week with some signs of strengthening, according to IFA Livestock chairman Brendan Golden.
He said supplies of finished cattle are tight and demand in our key export markets is good. Factories are anxious for cattle and paying 10c to 20c/kg above quotes to close out deals.
In addition, factories are paying €4.80-5.00kg for steers and €4.85-5.05kg for heifers. Y bulls R/U are making €4.70-5.05kg while cows are ranging from €4.40-4.90kg with higher prices for larger and specialist lots.
He said prices in marts for finished and forward store cattle are strong, providing a real competitive alternative to factories. Farmers should weigh up their options before selling.
Beef price update 21 July, 2022
Steer base €4.80/5.00/kg. Heifers €4.85/5.05/kg. Higher deals and flat prices for larger and specialist lots. Y Bulls R/U €4.70/5.05Kg. Cows €4.40/4.90kg.
Meanwhile, IFA Sheep chairman Kevin Comiskey said supplies of lamb have tightened this week withiincreased demand for lambs from factories.
He said tight supplies of suitable lamb is evident on the ground with last week’s lamb kill back over 24,000 head from the previous week.
However, market conditions for sheep meat are favourable.
Deals up to €7.20kg and above for lambs are being offered by factories. Farmers are advised to resist the lower quotes on offer. He said the store lamb trade has kicked off strong in marts providing further competition for the limited supply of lambs available.
What’s more, demand is strong and expected to increase. Therefore factories must ensure these positive market conditions are reflected in prices paid to farmers.
Lamb price update 21/07/2022
Lamb €6.90/7.10/kg. Higher deals groups/larger lots. Ewes €3.50/3.80/kg.