Ireland: €5/kg back on the table for R-grade bullocks

There is more positive news for beef finishers this week, with factory quotes increasing at most sites for in-spec heifers and steers. One outlet in Co. Donegal has moved its base price for bullocks (steers) up 5c/kg this week to €4.70/kg on the grid, plus a 10c/kg weight bonus for cattle between 300-400kg. This leaves a suitably fleshed R-grade bullock with a carcass weight between 300 and 400kg coming into €5.00/kg before any breed bonuses are included. While €5/kg is on offer at the top-paying outlet, most processors around the country are behind this level on price and are paying €4.75-4.80/kg, plus the breed bonus (where relevant), for in-spec bullocks. Peak supply of cattle has now past and most procurement staff would agree that the numbers of finished cattle available are starting to decline. Most of the Christmas beef orders will have been processed by the end of this week and will certainly be well wrapped up by next week. Despite this, demand for beef should remain ...