Beef finishers suffering a substantial drop on expected returns

While the finishers are suffering a substantial drop on expected returns, Bord Bia and the IFA differ on the background to the poorer than expected prices

Cow prices are holding at 620-635c/kg for R grade and the R grade young bulls are ranging 670-685c/kg in general.

The beef prices at the factories are showing early signs of more stability returning to the trade as the processing sector commences working through two consecutive short weeks for supplies.

Producers are holding out some hope that the successive weeks of falling prices may have bottomed out with prospects for a more settled period ahead.