Two-tier beef price pattern has developed

A two-tier beef price pattern has developed across the country, with a few extra cents for cattle from the processors this week gravitating more towards the midlands and northern regions of the country, while farmers in the south find it harder to get the higher returns.

The base prices being quoted for steers are 385-390 cents/kg. There are some reports of individual “up-country” sellers negotiating a base of up to 390 cents/kg, but it is not easy to get the higher level, with cattle supply continuing very strong — and even harder for farmers in the southern counties.

Heifers are generally trading at a premium of 5 cents/kg over steer prices, with a base range of 390-400 cents/kg.