High Beef Prices Continue With Further Increases
IRELAND - Livestock Price Coordinator for the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), John Cleary, has said that prices this week have increased even further from last week’s highs and the good news for beef farmers is set to continue with no end to the high prices until at least Christmas.
22 November 2011
2 minute read
For a good mix of steers, the price being quoted is €3.90-€3.95/kg, a further increase of 10c from last week. Heifers have been the most consistent performers over the year and quotes have increased week on week over the past couple of months.
There has been a further 10 – 15c increase from last week’s prices with heifers trading at €4.00 - €4.05/kg For a mix of U and R grade bulls, the going price is also €4.00 - €4.05/kg. Cows are continuing to trade well and for a mix of P and U grades the prices are €3.15/kg up to €3.55/kg, a rise of 10c on the top end of quotes.
On this week’s trade, Mr Cleary said: “The prognosis is extremely positive at the minute. Factories are filling their supplies with store cattle and stocks are incredibly tight across the board so farmers are getting top dollar for cattle at the minute."
"The record highs of the past few weeks look set to continue right up to 19th or 20th December, this is when the last of the Christmas killing is done and with such a shortage of stock, we are set to see the weekly increases in prices continue for the next few weeks at least. Farmers continue to be masters of their own destiny so the best advice is to sell in the next few weeks and shortages are evident and factories are on the back foot so take the initiative where possible.”
Sheep prices have bounced back after a period of stagnation. Factories are paying up €5.00/kg for lambs up to 23/kg with scarcities developing. Quotes for ewes are €3.10/kg, a 10c rise from last week.
TheCattleSite News Desk
