Cow throughput has increased by 13% year on year. Analysis of Department of Agriculture figures shows that the number of cows processed to the end of last week (01/06/2013) rose from 119,549 in 2012 to 135,403 head this year.
The breakdown in total slaughtering can be split roughly 65:35 into dairy and beef, which is normal for this time of year.
Taking a closer look at the breakdown, ICBF analysis shows dairy cow throughput for the year to date increasing by about 9%. Suckler cow throughput has increased by a higher volume in percentage terms, rising by 22%.
Numbers have increased steadily since fodder supplies began to tighten severely, with farmers moving cows faster in a bid to conserve and stretch existing supplies.
The rate at which cows are trading is also being influenced by a strong live and dead trade for slaughter-fit cows. Fleshed R grading cows are selling, in general, from €3.95-€4.10/kg, or €4.15/kg for R/U mixed lots. U grading cows or cow heifers are reported as securing prices up to €4.15-€4.25/kg. O grading cows are selling, in general, from €3.70-€3.80/kg with Friesian P+3 grading cows selling in larger lots from €3.50-€3.60/kg. The higher prices represent a lift of 10c-20c/kg on last year’s levels, or €30-€60 on a 300kg carcass.
Dairy Cow
Increased Mart Throughput
Cow throughput in marts has also jumped in recent weeks, with many mart managers reporting a two to three fold increase in numbers. Tom McCarthy, Bandon mart and the venue for this week’s Camera at the Ringside, reported that cow throughput is running at record levels.
Last Monday’s sale saw an entry of 146 cows, when normal throughput for this time of year would generally be about 100 to 110 cows.
The mart trade is firm, with factory agents very active to secure slaughter-fit cows to supplement falling finished steer and heifer supplies. Good quality fleshed R grading cows are selling from €1.80-€2/kg for Friesian cows and from €1.90-€2.15/kg for continental cows.
O grading Friesian cows are selling from €1.70-€1.90/kg. The best quality U grading types or heavily muscled animals are selling to €2.20-€2.35/kg or the equivalent of €4.10-€4.25/kg dead.
Higher Mortality Levels
There are also reports of significantly higher mortality rates in suckler and dairy herds. Veterinary practitioners report restricted forage supplies negatively impacting on the immune system of animals.
Reports suggest the increased mortality rates have resulted from difficulties post-calving due to lower cow condition and cows succumbing to illnesses such as grass tetany, milk fever etc. It should also be noted that the higher mortality rates must be taken into account, with larger national dairy and beef herds.
ICBF analysis shows the available beef herd for calving rising from 1.06m in 2012 to 1.1m in 2013, with the dairy herd rising from 1.14m to 1.17m cows.
Lower Confidence
The fodder crisis has also had a significant impact on reducing confidence in suckler herds. Special in-calf heifer sales and suckler sales have been far quieter than this time last year.
Prices are reduced anywhere from €200-€400 per unit. Good quality cows with a calf at foot are currently trading from €1,200 to €1,400, when this time last year similar quality lots would have commanded prices of €1,450-€1,700 per outfit.
(By Shane – Farmbud – The Online Farming Network)
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