Beef Plant Quotes Yield Steady Prices Despite Tight Supplies
UK – Plant quotes in Northern Ireland were steady last week as slaughter figures continued to be well adrift of last year, reveals the Livestock and Meat Commission.
15 October 2013
2 minute read
Prices south of the border in the Republic of Ireland maintained their downward trend,falling away to an average of 322.2p/kg for first quality steers as heifers stayed unchanged on 332.5p/kg.
Base quotes for U-3 grade prime cattle were 366p/kg for steers and ranged 366-368p/kg for heifers, accompanied by a 10-14p bonus for in-spec cattle.
Average steers prices inched higher (+1.8p/kg) to 366.8p/kg in Northern Ireland while heifers went unchanged at 371.3p/kg.
Prime cattle slaughter data read 955 head lower on the same week in 2012 at 6,766 for the week, down 207 from the previous week.
However, cow slaughter increased by 328 head to 2,045 – the highest figure since January.
Prime cattle imports from the Republic of Ireland were down last week. Reports show 226 fewer cattle were imported, totalling 770.
Exports saw 383 prime cattle and 87 cows leave for Great Britain for direct slaughter.
Great Britain Deadweight
Average steer and heifer prices improved across Great Britain, as did young bull values, although cow prices were back 4p/kg to 240.3p/kg.
An LMC spokesperson said: “In GB the deadweight trade has shown an improvement with average steer and heifer prices up in the region of 1.5p/kg on the previous week to 399.3p/kg and 396.3p/kg respectively.
“Average steer and heifer prices were up by 1-2p/kg across all the GB regions last week. Meanwhile the young bull price in GB increased by 4p/kg to 373.6p/kg last week with strong increases in average prices recorded in both Northern England and the Midlands.”
Liveweight prices in Southern Ireland have been affected by interest from Northern buyers.
Liveweight Markets
Marts reported good trade last week as finished first quality steers averaged 224p/kg and second quality animals averaging 197p/kg.
Heifer averages saw prices of 218p/kg for top animals with second class animals making 194p/kg. Cows from beef stock peaked at 217p/kg at a first quality average of 176p/kg.
An LMC analyst said that store trade continued to fair well: “The good trade for store cattle has continued with first quality 400-500kg bullocks selling to an average of 238p/kg and second quality selling to an average of 200p/kg.”
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