Even though reported prices have shown a fall, the Irish Farmers Journal has heard that several farmers are still securing €6.30/kg to €6.40/kg for steers and 10c/kg more for heifers.
Where these prices are being paid, they do come with terms and conditions and the cattle must be in-spec across all categories. Obviously, with reported prices down, it does mean that factories have been able to buy cattle for less, so the bottom line is that farmers need to have the right cattle and be able to sell hard to get these prices.
Numbers have been on the increase over recent weeks and several factories have been putting on extra kill days this week to take advantage of there being more cattle about.
That can be good or bad for farmers with cattle to sell.
Plenty of cattle usually strengthens the factory buyers’ hands in the negotiation, but if a factory has added extra capacity, it also means that it will be looking for more cattle to fill it.
Cow kill
While there is talk of more cows being culled, the numbers don't suggest a huge increase in the cow kill week on week, though, as with all cattle, numbers are well up on this time last year.
The biggest impact is on poorer cows straight from the parlour, where farmers are looking to offload and factory buyers are able to dictate the price.
However, good cows are still a good trade and one mart manager reported that factory agents were active around the ring.
Expect top-quality R grading cows to secure up to €6.20/kg, while O grading cows with flesh are able to get €6.00/kg to €6.10/kg.
P+ grading cows with flesh will still get €5.80/kg in general, but factories that are less interested in cows will be paying less.
Young bulls
Young bulls are selling well, with U grades still making up to €6.50/kg to €6.60/kg, R grades are €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg and Os €6.30/kg to €6.40/kg.
Under-16-months bulls are fewer in number this time of year and, like most, young bulls are produced to order, with the trading prices indicated at around €6.20/kg on the grid.
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