Sell early to beat year end rush for the last premia

A RUSH for the boat or the factory as this year goes on is just one more twist to watch out for in the cattle market.

Any animals approaching slaughter weight will be bundled out the door to qualify for the last of the slaughter premium towards the end of the year, even though sellers may lose out, if the factories respond with a price cut in the face of over-supply.

Live export market turbulence is on the cards, too, depending largely on what different decoupling options are chosen by the Member States which buy live cattle from Ireland. (France, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy are almost certain to keep some cattle premia coupled.) For some member states, decoupling will make imported Irish cattle unattractive from New Year 2005.