IFA seeks rise in winter finishing cattle prices

Cattle prices need to rise for winter finishers to avoid further losses and secure a margin on some cattle sold out of the sheds this spring, said IFA livestock chairman Angus Woods.

Farmers are negotiating with factories, with some finishers are securing a base of €4.05/kg on steers and €4.15/kg base on heifers.

Mr Woods said official Department of Agriculture prices are showing the price increases with the R3 steer price across the country at €4.05/kg. The heifer price is up 4c/kg in a week averaging €4.21/kg.