Strong cattle prices are being recorded across the country, as mart throughput reaches its autumn peak. A lively trade has greeted the housing period, as farmers come out to buy. Exporters are struggling to compete with farmers and finishers, armed with Single Farm Payment funds and replenished fodder supplies.
This week’s Irish Farmers Journal Mart Watch data shows weanling bulls €30 to €40 ahead of last year, with weanling heifers even better, up €40 to €60 on 2012.
The beef trade is also strengthening, with factories actively competing for cattle.
Steers are selling at a base of €4.05/kg to €4.10/kg with heifers making from €4.15/kg to €4.25/kg.
(Source – Irish Farmer’s Journal – Darren Carty and Nathan Tuffy – 26/10/2013)