Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update

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Throughput

Last week, 31,026 cattle were processed in DAFM-approved plants, marking a slight increase from the previous week. Year-to-date cattle throughput is currently 6% lower than the same period last year, totaling 61,102 head. This decline is attributed to a contraction in cattle numbers on the ground and a lively export trade, with numbers expected to remain tight for much of 2025.

Average carcass weights continue to trend below previous years due to a challenging grass growing season and an increasing dairy influence on the prime cattle kill. This downward trend in average carcass weights is expected to persist in the short to medium term, as calf registrations to suckler cows continue to decline, while the number of beef-sired calves produced from the dairy herd continues to rise.

Prices

This week saw a lift in the steady base quotes at Irish meat plants in response to tighter supplies. Producers were generally offered a base price of €5.70/kg for steers, with reports of up to €5.80/kg available. Starting quotes for heifers are around €5.85/kg, with similar room for negotiation. The trade for young bulls remains steady, with prices between €6.00/kg and €6.10/kg for R grading animals under 24 months of age.

The cow trade remains relatively steady, with well-fleshed O+ grading suckler cows being offered prices of €5.20-5.30/kg, while O grading dairy cows generally range from €5.05-5.15/kg. A significant proportion of the cow kill has achieved a conformation score of P in recent months, and prices for these animals vary significantly based on grade, weight, and quality.

For the week ending January 12th, 2025, the average price paid by Irish beef processors for R3 increased slightly by 2c/kg to €5.72/kg. This remains 63c/kg ahead of the corresponding week in 2023, when the R3 steer price was €5.09/kg. Reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as in-spec bonus and breed-based producer groups.

EU and UK Prices

Across the EU, the average reported price for R3 grading young bulls was €5.61/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending January 12th, 2025. This is 63c higher than Week 1 of 2023, when prices averaged €4.98/kg for this category.

In the UK, tighter cattle supplies and firm demand have continued to firm deadweight beef prices. This week, the average UK R3 steer price increased by 3c/kg to €5.57/kg.

Bord Bia

 

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