While the spring trade was strong for all types of cattle, the fodder crisis created a depressed mart trade through the summer.

However, the autumn trade for any farmers who sold stock was not nearly as positive.

In fact, it was a very challenging autumn and one that is not well represented by the average prices shown over the course of the year.

Flow of cattle

The fodder crisis undoubtedly disturbed the flow of cattle and prices during the summer period.

If we look at the graph, we can distinctly see that from mid-June to mid-July, average prices were at their lowest, with bullocks from 500kg to 600kg selling at €1.94/kg to €1.96/kg or from €1,067 to €1,078 per head for the average 550kg steer.

The low prices in mid-summer were created by supply and demand issues.

There was an over-supply of plainer-quality animals at the same time as there was reduced demand as a direct result of low grass growth and a worsening fodder situation.

The average price paid peaked in early autumn, coinciding with the commencement of ANC payments rolling out to farmers.

The second price peak was in mid-October, again coinciding with the roll-out of BPS payments to farmers.

From then to the end of the year, we can see that average prices dropped back to around €1.90/kg to €1.95/kg in November and December, leaving average prices back by 8c to 10c/kg or €44 to €55/head behind the same week in 2017.