Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have improved this week with base quotes of €9.20-€9.40/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of €10/kg (+QA bonus) available.

The strong deadweight trade at the minute is being driven by the tighter supplies of suitable hoggets for processing and spring lambs have been slow to come forward also.

 

The tight supply situation has not been confined to Ireland, with hogget throughput in the UK so far this year operating five per cent behind 2023 levels with reports of significant numbers of ewe lambs previously set aside for breeding now being processed. The latest supply forecast for the EU has indicated a two per cent decline in throughput during the first half of 2024 which equates to a 580,000 head reduction in the sheep kill. Tighter supplies are expected until the 2024 lamb crop starts to come forward for processing in significant numbers.

 

Demand for lamb on both the domestic and export markets has shown some signs of recovery as indicated by Kantar figures and Bord Bia’s own market insights. However, while consideration for lamb has recorded some improvement in recent months lamb continues to be the most exposed to shifts in consumer buying habits as the highest priced protein.

 

Prices: Last weeks reported price increased to €9.43/kg, an uplift of 23c/kg from the week previous. In the corresponding week in 2023 the reported price was €7.32/kg. The deadweight trade has also remained firm in the UK regions with reported prices the equivalent of €9.92/kg (+8c/kg) in mainland GB last week while the reported price in Northern Ireland was €9.60/kg (+27c/kg) for w/e April 28th  2024. Southern Hemisphere prices remain well below European prices which makes Southern Hemisphere product very competitive on EU markets, even with the extra costs of transport factored in. Deadweight lamb prices in Australia and New Zealand were the equivalent of €4.14/kg and €3.42/kg respectively last week.

 

Throughput: The total sheep kill in DAFM approved plants for week ending April 28th  2024 was 34,712 head, back marginally from the corresponding week in 2023. Throughput for the year to date has totalled 840,150 head, 10% behind the corresponding period in 2023. The hogget kill for the year to date has totalled 750,662 head, operating 8% behind 2023 levels. Meanwhile the ewe/ram kill year to date is back by  9,067 head (-10 %) to 81,026 head. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to appear for processing with 7,327 processed so far this year.

 

Bord Bia

Also:

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e April 28th 2024

Cattle & Beef

Throughput: There were 33,164 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending April 28th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 596,422  head. This is a 17,139  head or 2.8% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 579,283 cattle were processed. There have been 423,905  prime cattle processed in the first 17 weeks of 2024, a 2.7% increase from the same period last year (+11,832 head). Cow throughput has remained strong with 146,167 cows processed so far this year, a notable increase of 18,295 head (+12.5%)

 

Prices: Prime cattle supplies have steadied, and this has been reflected in a steadying of the base quotes from the major processors, with base quotes increasing last week. Base quotes this week are in the region of €5.15-5.20/kg for steers while starting quotes for heifers are around €5.20-5.25/kg. The trade for the smaller numbers of young bulls on offer remains steady with €5.30-5.40/kg available for R grading animals under 24 months of age.

The cow trade has remained solid, particularly this week despite the strong throughput in recent weeks. Well fleshed O grading cows are being quoted at €4.60 with €4.70-4.80c/kg available for good quality R grading cows. A significant proportion of the cow kill have achieved a conformation score of P in recent months and the prices available for these animals vary significantly based on grade, weight and quality.

For the week ending April 28th 2024, the average price paid by Irish beef processors for R3 remained steady to be €5.21/kg. This was 6c/kg behind the corresponding week in 2023 when the R3 steer price was €5.27/kg. Note that reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as in-spec bonus, breed-based producer groups etc.

EU and UK prices:

European young bull prices have held relatively stable in the early weeks of 2024. The average reported price for R3 grading young bulls was €5.02/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending April 28th 2024. This is the same as Week 17 last year. Tighter cattle supplies and firm demand have meant deadweight beef prices in the UK have remained strong. This week the average R3 steer price increased 2c/kg to be €5.70/kg (equivalent to £4.89/kg).

 

Bord Bia

 

Also:

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e April 28th 2024

Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have improved this week with base quotes of 900-930c/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of 960c/kg (+QA bonus) available.

The strong deadweight trade at the minute is being driven by the tighter supplies of suitable hoggets for processing and spring lambs have been slow to come forward also.

 

The tight supply situation has not been confined to Ireland, with hogget throughput in the UK so far this year operating five per cent behind 2023 levels with reports of significant numbers of ewe lambs previously set aside for breeding now being processed.

The latest supply forecast for the EU has indicated a two per cent decline in throughput during the first half of 2024 which equates to a 580,000 head reduction in the sheep kill. Tighter supplies are expected until the 2024 lamb crop starts to come forward for processing in significant numbers.

 

Demand for lamb on both the domestic and export markets has shown some signs of recovery as indicated by Kantar figures and Bord Bia’s own market insights. However, while consideration for lamb has recorded some improvement in recent months lamb continues to be the most exposed to shifts in consumer buying habits as the highest priced protein.

 

Prices: Rising demand for lamb in the run up to Easter and Ramadan combined with the tighter supply situation outlined above contributed to the significant strengthening in the Irish deadweight trade year to date.

Last weeks reported price increased to 877c/kg, an uplift of 7c/kg from the week previous. In the corresponding week in 2023 the reported price was 705c/kg. The deadweight trade has also remained firm in the UK regions with reported prices the equivalent of 993c/kg (+25c/kg) in mainland GB last week while the reported price in Northern Ireland was 870c/kg (+13c/kg) for w/e April 13th 2024.

Southern Hemisphere prices remain well below European prices which makes Southern Hemisphere product very competitive on EU markets, even with the extra costs of transport factored in.

Deadweight lamb prices in Australia and New Zealand were the equivalent of 398c/kg and 342c/kg respectively last week.

 

Throughput: The total sheep kill in DAFM approved plants for week ending April 13th 2024 was 45,971 head, back marginally from the corresponding week in 2023.

Throughput for the year to date has totalled 770,908 head, five per cent behind the corresponding period in 2023. The hogget kill for the year to date has totalled 693,854 head, operating three per cent behind 2023 levels.

Meanwhile the ewe/ram kill year to date is back by 5,717 head (-7 %) to 73,678 head. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to appear for processing with 3,323 processed so far this year.

Bord Bia

See also: Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e April 13th 2024

Welsh Beef producers are set to take centre stage with Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), shining a light on the sectors sustainability credentials during Great British Beef Week (23-30 April).

As part of its activity, which will feature beef farmers from across Wales, HCC is also highlighting practical steps beef farmers can take to improve efficiencies on farm and boost profitability, as well as showing consumers 5 different ways to use PGI Welsh Beef through some delicious recipes.

The nationwide campaign celebrates the versatility and exceptional taste of home produced beef, while highlighting the commitment and dedication of beef farmers to sustainable practices.

HCC’s Campaign Executive, Philippa Gill said: “Without the abundant rainfall we have here in Wales, the Welsh Beef story wouldn’t be what it is today. Beef cattle in Wales are overwhelmingly reared in non-intensive farming systems, using Wales’s natural resources – water and grass.

“PGI Welsh Beef has an incredible story to tell – from the people who produce it, the sustainability and environmental credentials of our Welsh Beef, as well as its versatility and great taste. Those are all things that HCC is going to champion and amplify during the week – taking a multi-pronged approach to highlighting the uniquely Welsh credentials which we know resonate so well with consumers.”

 

Hybu Cig Cymru

 

Also:

PGI Welsh Lamb campaign “a major success”, says HCC

Welsh lamb to be showcased in the US

Welsh secure new lamb deal with Japan

MOSCOW. April 15 (Interfax) – The first shipment of Russian pork has been delivered to the Chinese market according to Miratorg, the first company to begin deliveries after China lifted restrictions on Russian pork imports last September.

A consignment of products weighing 27 tonnes was produced at the holding’s meat processing complex in the Belgorod region and sent from Selyatino station on March 7 by rail to Vladivostok. From there, it was loaded onto a ship to the port of Nansha in China. Russian transport company Fesco organized the intermodal shipment process.

The container arrived at the Chinese port after one month in transit, from where the importer unloaded the shipment into his warehouse on April 13.

“We greatly value the Chinese market and take a responsible attitude towards fulfilling all the veterinary requirements of the importing country. The goal is to increase supply volumes in the coming years and expand the range of meat products in accordance with the taste preferences of Chinese residents.

The company independently ensures 100% quality control and complete traceability of products at all stages from “field to table,” Miratorg’s press service said.

 

Interfax

 

Also:

Russia sends first pork shipment to China in 15 years

Russian pork exports to China begin ahead of schedule

First Russian pork on its way to China

Boosting pork exports to Southeast Asia: Russia launches the Meat Shuttle

 

Tim Jackson | Meat & Livestock Australia 

 

Also:

Australia manages more than half global sheep meat trade in 2023

Australian goatmeat exports surge in 2023

Australian Government leads red meat mission in the UK

Cattle & Beef

Throughput: There were 31,967 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending March 31st 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 462,669 head. This is a 10,947  head or 2.4% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 451,722 cattle were processed. There have been 328,559 prime cattle processed in the first 13 weeks of 2024, a 2% increase from the same period last year (+8,879 head). Cow throughput has remained strong with 114,783 cows processed so far this year, a notable increase of 14,625 head (+15%)

 

Prices: Prime cattle supplies have steadied, and this has been reflected in a steadying of the base quotes from the major processors, with base quotes remaining to be unchanged from last week. Base quotes this week are in the region of €5.10-5.20/kg for steers while starting quotes for heifers are around €5.20-5.30/kg. The trade for the smaller numbers of young bulls on offer remains steady with €5.20-5.30/kg available for R grading animals under 24 months of age.

The cow trade has remained solid despite the strong throughput in recent weeks. Well fleshed O grading cows are being quoted at €4.40 with €4.50-4.60c/kg available for good quality R grading cows. A significant proportion of the cow kill have achieved a conformation score of P in recent months and the prices available for these animals vary significantly based on grade, weight and quality.

For the week ending March 31st 2024, the average price paid by Irish beef processors for R3 steers increased slightly by 2c/kg to €5.19/kg. This was 9c/kg behind the corresponding week in 2023 when the R3 steer price was €5.26/kg. Note that reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as in-spec bonus, breed-based producer groups etc.

EU and UK prices:

European young bull prices have held relatively stable in the early weeks of 2024. The average reported price for R3 grading young bulls was €5.06/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending March 31st 2024. This is the same as week 13 last year. Tighter cattle supplies and firm demand have meant deadweight beef prices in the UK have remained strong. This week the average R3 steer price reduced marginally to  €5.69/kg (equivalent to £4.88/kg).

 

Sheep Trade & Prices

Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have held steady this week with base quotes of 870-900c/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Declines in the European sheep flock and a move towards killing lighter lambs in some regions to combat higher production costs have resulted in tighter availability of sheep for processing in the early months of 2024. There has also been a significant decline in hogget availability in the UK with the latest AHDB forecast indicating a 10% decline in hogget carryover. Tighter supplies are expected until the 2024 lamb crop starts to come forward for processing in significant numbers. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of 920c/kg (+QA bonus) available.

 

Demand for lamb on both the domestic and export markets has shown some signs of recovery as indicated by Kantar figures and Bord Bia’s own market insights. However, as the highest priced protein lamb continues to be the most exposed to shifts in consumer buying habits in response to high levels of inflation.

 

Prices: Rising demand for lamb in the run up to Easter and Ramadan combined with tighter supplies in both the UK and mainland Europe have contributed to the significant strengthening in eth Irish deadweight trade during the first quarter of 2024.  Last weeks reported price increased to 861c/kg, an uplift of 16c/kg from the week previous. In the corresponding week in 2023 the reported price was 676c/kg. The deadweight trade has also remained firm in the UK regions with reported prices the equivalent of 978c/kg (-4/ckg) in mainland GB last week while the reported price in Northern Ireland was 813c/kg (+3c/kg) for w/e 23/03/2024. Southern Hemisphere prices remain well below European prices which makes Southern Hemisphere product very competitive on EU markets, even with the extra costs of transport factored in. Deadweight lamb prices in Australia and New Zealand were 396c/kg and 338c/kg respectively last week.

 

Throughput: The total sheep kill in DAFM approved plants for week ending March 31st 2024 was 59,043 head which was a decline of 5,452 head from the same week in 2023. Throughput for the year to date has totalled 677,727 head, four per cent behind corresponding period in 2023. The hogget kill for the year to date has totalled 610,642 head, three per cent behind 2023 levels. Meanwhile the ewe/ram kill was back by over 5,459  head (-8%) to 65,814 head. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to appear for processing with 1,227 processed so far this year.

 

BORD BIA

Cattle & Beef

Throughput: There were 33,106 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending March 24th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 430,700 head. This is a 11,783 head or 3% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 418,817 cattle were processed. There have been 305,811 prime cattle processed in the first 12 weeks of 2024, a 2% increase from the same period last year (+9,154 head). Within this however there has been a change in the slaughter mix with a notable decline in the young bull kill, which has been compensated for by higher steer and heifer throughput. Cow throughput has remained strong with 107,110 cows processed so far this year.

Prices: Prime cattle supplies have steadied, and this has been reflected in a steadying of the base quotes from the major processors. Base quotes this week are in the region of €5.15-5.20/kg for steers while starting quotes for heifers are around €5.25-5.30/kg. The trade for the smaller numbers of young bulls on offer remains steady with €5.20-5.30/kg available for R grading animals under 24 months of age.

The cow trade has remained solid despite the strong throughput in recent weeks. Well fleshed O grading cows are being quoted at €4.30 with €4.50-4.60c/kg available for good quality R grading cows. A significant proportion of the cow kill have achieved a conformation score of P in recent months and the prices available for these animals vary significantly based on grade, weight and quality.

 

EU and UK prices:

European young bull prices have held relatively stable in the early weeks of 2024. The average reported price for R3 grading young bulls was €5.06/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending March 24th 2024. This is 9c/kg below the same week last year when the average R3 price was €5.15/kg. Tighter cattle supplies and firm demand have meant deadweight beef prices in the UK have remained strong but this week saw the average R3 steer price reduced to  €5.73/kg (equivalent to £4.90/kg) for the week ending March 24th 2024.

 

Sheep Trade & Prices

Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have continued to firm this week with base quotes of 800-820/kg (+QA bonus) on offer with reports of higher prices available for producers with suitable hoggets and negotiating power. Tighter hogget supplies in mainland Europe combined with an increase in demand in the run up to the Ramadan festival is contributing to this uplift in the deadweight trade.

Demand for lamb on both the domestic and export markets has shown some signs of recovery as indicated by Kantar figures and Bord Bia’s own market insights. However, as the highest priced protein lamb continues to be the most exposed to shifts in consumer buying habits in response to high levels of inflation.

Prices: Deadweight prices have improved in line with increasing base quotes from the factories. Last weeks reported price increased strongly to 845c/kg, an uplift of 30c/kg from the week previous. In the same week in 2023 the reported price was €6.45/kg. The deadweight trade has also continued to firm in the UK regions with a reported price the equivalent of 978c/kg (-4/ckg) in mainland GB last week while the reported price in Northern Ireland was 813c/kg (+3c/kg). Southern Hemisphere prices remain well below European prices which makes Southern Hemisphere product very competitive on EU markets, even with the extra costs of transport factored in. The deadweight sheep trade is at record levels, driven by a combination of increasing demand in the lead up to Easter and Ramadan and tighter supplies for processing across Europe. Declines in the European sheep flock and a move towards killing lighter lambs in some regions to combat higher production costs have resulted in tighter availability of sheep for processing in the early months of 2024.

 

BORD BIA 

Scotch Beef is now high fashion in Milan after Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) relaunched the Scotch Beef Club in Italy, focussing on increasing exports to this high-profile, premium market.

To celebrate the relaunch, an audience of leading foodservice stakeholders in the Italian red meat sector were invited to a Scotch-focussed event at one of Milan’s top hotels. A three-course gastronomic menu centred around Scotch Beef was complemented with Scotch whisky tasting, with the aim of building on already-strong exports to the country, which accounted for £10m (15%) of export sales in the year to July 2023.

Any restaurant business, in the UK or overseas, that serves premium quality Scotch Beef can join the Club and benefit from QMS’s marketing collateral and support to promote Scotch Beef.

Tom Gibson, Director of Business Development at QMS, said: “The Scotch Beef Club aims to promote the virtues of quality Scotch Beef to chefs and restaurateurs, and provides added value with support to promote the Quality Assurance, provenance and traceability of our premium beef.

“Increasing trade with high value export markets is top of our agenda, and Italy is a key market for us. We have a mission to work with all exporters on their own bespoke events to maximise this opportunity, and to ensure current and potential customers are aware of the Scotch difference – the factors which make Scotland the choice for premium red meat .”

 

Quality Meat Scotland