MartWatch analysis of the store cattle trade over the past year has shown that store cattle prices in 2015 have surpassed previous highs of 2012 and 2013.
A large crowd turned out for the last sale of 2015 at Balla Mart.
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Despite a weakening of the live trade in the final two months of 2015, MartWatch figures show that store cattle prices averaged 5c/kg or €27.50/head for a 550kg bullock more than the previous high of 2012. A similar trend was evident for lighter store bullocks and store heifers.
When average prices paid in 2015 are compared with 2014, we can see that they jumped by 19-21c/kg across the various groups of cattle, with store bullocks being met with the strongest increases.
The average 550kg steer sold for €115/head more on average than in 2014, while the average 450kg steer sold for €94/head more. The average 550kg heifer sold for €105/head more than in 2014, while the average 450kg heifer sold for €94 more.
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The high average prices in 2015 were fuelled by strong demand in the first half of the year and a positive beef trade on the back of more market access. The moratorium on age and weight limits resulting from the Beef Forum had an effect on prices of out-of-spec stock also. This measure ends on Friday.
However, the final two months of the trade at marts saw an easing of store prices by about 10c/kg or €45 to €55/head for the average animal. In recent weeks the trade has shown signs of steadying.
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Despite a weakening of the live trade in the final two months of 2015, MartWatch figures show that store cattle prices averaged 5c/kg or €27.50/head for a 550kg bullock more than the previous high of 2012. A similar trend was evident for lighter store bullocks and store heifers.
When average prices paid in 2015 are compared with 2014, we can see that they jumped by 19-21c/kg across the various groups of cattle, with store bullocks being met with the strongest increases.
The average 550kg steer sold for €115/head more on average than in 2014, while the average 450kg steer sold for €94/head more. The average 550kg heifer sold for €105/head more than in 2014, while the average 450kg heifer sold for €94 more.
The high average prices in 2015 were fuelled by strong demand in the first half of the year and a positive beef trade on the back of more market access. The moratorium on age and weight limits resulting from the Beef Forum had an effect on prices of out-of-spec stock also. This measure ends on Friday.
However, the final two months of the trade at marts saw an easing of store prices by about 10c/kg or €45 to €55/head for the average animal. In recent weeks the trade has shown signs of steadying.
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