Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e May 12th 2024
Irish Cattle Trade & Prices – Week Ending 12 May 2024
The latest update confirms that Irish cattle trade & prices May 2024 remain steady, with supplies continuing to rise.
Throughput
During the week ending 12 May 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 30,743 cattle, pushing total throughput for the year to 660,140 head. That figure represents a 3% increase (18,633 head) compared with the same period in 2023, when 641,507 cattle were processed. Prime cattle accounted for 470,841 head in the first 19 weeks of 2024, up 3% or 11,950 head year-on-year. Meanwhile, cow throughput reached 160,852 head, a sharp 10% increase (+19,053 head), underlining strong demand for cull cows.
Prices
Prime cattle supplies have stabilised, and processors reflected this with steady but firmer base quotes last week. Current offers stand at €5.15/kg for steers and €5.20/kg for heifers. Young bulls remain steady, with €5.30–5.40/kg available for R grading animals under 24 months.
The cow trade continues to perform well despite increased throughput. O grading cows averaged €4.60/kg, while top-quality R grading cows secured €4.70–€4.80/kg. Prices for P-grade cows varied widely depending on weight and quality. For the week ending 12 May 2024, the average R3 steer price increased by 1c to €5.22/kg, just 6c below the same week in 2023 (€5.28/kg). Reported prices exclude VAT but include bonuses such as in-spec and breed premiums.
EU & UK Prices
Across Europe, R3 young bull prices averaged €5.01/kg for week ending 12 May 2024, identical to the same week last year. In the UK, tighter cattle supplies and strong demand supported firm returns. The average R3 steer price rose 4c to €5.72/kg, equivalent to £4.91/kg.
With supply increases and steady demand, the Irish cattle trade & prices May 2024 report highlights continued resilience in both domestic and export markets.
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