Factory quotes: Beef price firm as tight supply dictates trade
The week following the Galway Races and August Bank Holiday weekend traditionally saw a significant increase in enquiries to book in cattle for slaughter.
However, with larger than expected kills in the first half of 2025 and beef supplies forecasted to fall this year, some factory agents have told Agriland there is no expectation of a significant flush of cattle coming available in the short-term at least.
Cattle born in February 2023 reach 30 months-of-age this month, but this is not expected to have as big of an impact on the trade this year as in some previous years.
Irish beef prices are currently ahead of beef prices in both Northern Ireland and Britain.
Some outlets in Ireland are in a better position than others for cattle supplies this week, but most factories are operating nowhere near full capacity.
This week, heifers are generally being quoted at €7.60-7.70/kg on the grid and steers (bullocks) are at €7.50-€7.60/kg on the grid.
Angus and Hereford bonuses ranging from 15-30c/kg remain available with larger breed premiums generally paid on the eligible Angus cattle.
Procurement staff are generally more willing to discuss and negotiate on price, with flat-price offers and upwards-only prices per kilo being agreed in cases where reasonable numbers of cattle are available.
'U' grade cows are being quoted at €7.50-€7.60/kg this week. 'R' grade cows are being quoted at €7.20-€7.30/kg.
'O' and P' grade cows are being quoted at €7.00/kg and €6.90/kg respectively, but deals are being agreed in cases at prices above what processors are opening their offers at.
Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €7.80-€7.90/kg for 'U' grades. 'R' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.70/kg.
'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.50/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.40/kg.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €7.50-€7.60/kg on the grid this week.
Deals are also being agreed in cases for batched of well-finished bulls.
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