Flat prices of €8/kg were paid for heavy cattle in the west this week, as the factories continued to struggle to secure supplies.

The €8/kg mark was quoted for mixed groups of stock, that included Friesian crosses. In some cases, the cattle were over 30 months and therefore out of spec.

Flat prices deals were available last week for Angus and Hereford cattle, with up to €8.20/kg paid for bigger numbers.

ADVERTISEMENT

ICSA beef chair, John Cleary, said €8/kg flat was now becoming the base level for farmers with heavy animals.

“Some farmers with good heavy continental cattle are getting that [€8/kg] and a shade along with it,” said Cleary.

The factories are trying to keep a lid on prices at the moment but are not having much success, the ICSA representative claimed.

The fact that so many cattle were being bought off the grid was a reflection of the pressure the factories are under to get cattle, Cleary maintained.

“It’s a seller’s market out there at the moment,” he said.

Numbers continue to be the “determining factor” on price, and the numbers are not there, Cleary said.

The kill last week was just 25,500 head, which is 6,500 lower than the corresponding week in 2024.

“With the numbers the way they are, prices should remain strong into the back end,” Cleary predicted.

However, two factors that could increase numbers in the medium term are the deepening drought, and the fact that cattle have done so well off grass this year.

An increasing proportion of farmers across the midlands, south and east are struggling to keep grass ahead of cattle, Cleary pointed out.

In addition, he maintained that cattle are presenting at marts a month earlier this year because they have done so well on grass.

“The dry matter and energy levels in grass this year have been top notch.”