Cattle supplies are extremely tight as shed cattle have gone through the system and no flush of grass cattle is expected soon, says IFA livestock chairman Brendan Golden said. Last week’s throughput of 33 203 was the largest full week’s drop in numbers this year with heifers back 1 418 head, steers back 582 head and cows back 568 head. He said prices have moved another 10c/kg this week with all factories paying significantly above quoted prices and offering very favourable flat deals to secure cattle.
Beef price update 26 May, 2022.
Steer base EUR 5.15/5.35kg. Heifers EUR 5.20/5.40kg. Higher deals and flat prices for larger and specialist lots. Y Bulls R/U EUR 5.20/5.50Kg. Cows EUR 4.50/5.10kg.
Meanwhile, factory demand for spring lamb is increasing as hogget supplies drop off, according to IFA Sheep committee chairman Kevin Comiskey. Hogget numbers dropped almost 4 000 head last week. Mixed quality is impacting on price but factories are freely paying EUR 7.50/kg for suitable lots. Spring lamb numbers increased by over 6 000 head in the latest reported figures but are almost 23 000 behind 2021 for the year to date. He said factories are slow to move on prices for spring lamb, with most making EUR 8.30/kg to EUR 8.40/kg. The strength of demand from factories is evident in the prices available in marts as factory agents compete with butchers and wholesalers –providing a real viable alternative for farmers.
Lamb price update 26 May.
Hogget EUR 7.30/7.50/kg. Spring lamb EUR 8.20/8.40/kg. Weights 20.5/21kg. Higher deals groups/ larger lots. Ewes EUR 3.80/4.20/kg.