Cattle Prices Respond to Producer Demands
IRELAND - Cattle prices are rising rapidly as farmers dig in demanding price increases and Christmas approaches, according to IFA National Livestock Chairman Henry Burns.
9 November 2012
1 minute read
He said farmers are not selling at the low quoted prices from the factories this week, supplies have tightened dramatically and prices have started to rise.
Henry Burns said buying for the important Christmas trade has already kicked in. Factories know supplies will be very tight over the next few weeks and are scrambling for cattle. The strongest price increases have come for heifers with plants paying from €4.10 to €4.40/kg for quality. Flat prices of €4.15/€4.20 for O and R grade heifers were paid this week. Steer prices have also started to rise with some plants offering farmers 10c to 20c/kg over current prices of €3.90/kg base to secure stocks in the coming weeks.
"Bull prices are also rising with flat prices of €4.10/kg paid. The base has moved up 10c/kg and is rising fast. U grade bulls are making 6 to 10c/kg more in places.
A good indicator of the change in the trade is the improvement in the cow price. Top quality cows are making €3.60/3.90." said Mr Burns.
European markets are also very strong with R grade male cattle in Germany making €4.37/kg incl. 5.2 per cent Vat and €4.21/kg in Italy, two of our important export markets. In France R grade males are making €4.18/kg.
TheCattleSite News Desk
