Beef prices up further 5-8c/kg as trade remains buoyant
The base for steers has increased to 620-630c/kg, with some reports of 635c/kg being paid this week. The base for heifers is ranging 630-640c/kg.
The 'perfect' balance, from the perspective of producers, as factory demand exceeds supply, is continuing to retain control of the beef market for suppliers.
Despite the strong intake of cattle at the processing plants for early February, the pressure continues to source sufficient to satisfy market demand and remains the catalyst driving the prices upwards week on week.
"The prices being paid were never so high, and still the factory agents are still having to throw every kind of sweetener into deals to get cattle these weeks," explained one finisher.
"There is a plethora of options on offer to anyone with decent numbers of finished cattle. There is the grid price with its bonuses, a negotiated flat price, and add-ons like free transport to choose from," they added.
In general, the base prices at the factories have increased by 5-8c/kg and steadily heading towards €7/kg for Angus and Herefords when the breed and quality bonuses are included to keep them at the top of the trade.
Gambling on the 'livestock' market can be a risky business, but those courageous enough to wager on investing in the purchase of forward beef animals pre-Christmas are already making a decent few bucks after a short stay.
The base for steers has increased to 620-630c/kg, with some reports of 635c/kg being paid this week. The base for heifers is ranging 630-640c/kg.
All categories of stock are keeping pace with the general trend of upward-only prices.
The percentage difference between cow prices and prime beef animals has slipped to its lowest ever, with sales of mince, plus catering and manufacturing requirements, the mammoth major share of the beef market.
The R-grade cows have increased to 570-585c/kg being paid by the factories for this week, while the young bulls are making up to 655c/kg.
The supply for last week slipped to 34,928 head, which was a very strong kill for a four-day week, after allowing for the new February bank holiday on Monday, averaging over 8,700/day.
The supply included 11,750 steers, 11,163 heifers, 8,479 cows, and 3,050 young bulls.
The overall situation after the first six weeks of 2025 is an aggregate intake at the export factories running at an average of 120 head per week less than last year.
