Ireland: Beef price edges back up at some sites

After two consecutive weeks of processors attempting to reduce beef price, quotes for cattle have steadied, with at least one outlet increasing its base-price offering by 5c/kg for prime cattle and 10c/kg for cows. The number of cattle slaughtered at Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)-approved slaughter plants to date this year stands at 269,300 head (excluding veal). This figure is just 1,600 head of cattle behind last year’s supply of cattle, despite much concern there would be a significantly lower number of cattle finished this winter. While supplies of finished cattle are remaining steady, numbers of finished cattle available are expected to drop in April and May. Heifers and steers Factory quotes for heifers range from €5.20/kg to €5.30/kg on the grid this week. The lower rate is buying very few heifers and many outlets are having to pay from €5.25/kg upwards to secure heifers this week. Advertisement The higher rates are available at some outlets where ...