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.

“Farmers are negotiating positively with factories at the moment both on price and specifications. Carcase weight restrictions and cuts are avoidable,” said Mr Woods.

“Supplies will continue to tighten over the coming weeks and months until grass cattle start to flow in July.”

The IFA also wants the Department of Agriculture to issue an announcement on the reopening of the live trade to Turkey; it also wants the EU Commission to resolve labelling issues on live exports to Northern Ireland and Britain.