Wet weather in the west and north has forced farmers to move fit cattle and the factories have responded by cutting prices.
By Monday, factories were getting stock at €3.75/kg in the west. Drier ground in the south and east has left farmers there in a stronger position and on €3.80/kg. Two factors could steady the trade now. Demand for beef in the UK is strong while, here, the mart trade is being helped by cattle being bought for Turkey.
Exporters will not confirm they have contracts – but they are assembling suitable stock. Turkey became of real interest after opening to slaughter-ready cattle as well as weanlings.
Health certificate
The health certificate it announced two weeks ago is more practical than its existing cert for young cattle. There is no quarantine period, pre-movement TB test, holding period on farm of origin or age or weight limits.
Bulls of all breeds are eligible. Retail beef prices in Turkey are now higher than in Ireland.
Exporters are planning to deliver mixed consignments. Younger cattle will have to be quarantined – so exporters are buying these first.
As larger numbers of cattle are eligible, exporters are now in a position to charter a dedicated livestock boat.
This is a lower cost route per animal than transport by livestock truck. It is favoured by the Department as it would avoid Irish cattle passing through countries with bluetongue.
The three boats approved to carry livestock from Ireland are now in the Mediterranean – within reach.
IFA livestock chair Angus Woods accused factories of exploiting weather difficulties.
Cutting prices was unnecessary given that UK beef prices have been rising steadily (last week by another 3.5p/kg) without affecting demand, he said.
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