Cattle Trade Heating Up and Prices Rising

IFA National Livestock Chairman Henry Burns has said the cattle trade is heating up with factories actively chasing feeders for cattle and paying well above quoted prices to get stock. He said some factories have paid a base of €4.35/kg for heifers and €4.25/kg base for steers this week.

Henry Burns said farmers are very busy with the good weather and agents are finding it very difficult to interest feeders unless they are prepared to offer well over quoted prices for cattle.

Henry Burns said numbers are tightening and factories are very concerned where they are going to get enough cattle over the next 4 months. He said feeders know that this is the time to dig in and drive on the trade.

The IFA Livestock leader said bulls are also a strong trade with €4.25/kg on offer for U’s and some R’s. Cow prices are also rising with R grades making up to €3.90/kg and U grades over €4.00/kg.