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While there have been some stronger prices paid in the marts in the last few weeks, especially for well-fleshed U-grading types, the overall mart trade has not been immune to the impact of lower finished cattle prices.
Store heifer prices in the marts from January to July 2019 are down by around 20p/kg when compared with the same period last year, reflecting the drop in beef prices over the past 12 months.
Steers are also down year-on-year, with prices back 10p/kg on 2018 levels.
Based on Irish Farmers Journal MartWatch data, heifers weighing 500kg to 600kg averaged 169.2p/kg over the first six months of 2019.
In 2018, prices for the same animals were at 187.3p/kg, a differential of 18p/kg, or £104, on a 580kg animal. Prices were also higher in 2017 at 173p/kg.
The price differential is higher on heavier animals over 600kg. Heifers averaged 154p/kg from January to June 2019 compared with 175.1p/kg for the same period last year, giving a differential of £134 on a 650kg animal.
On lighter heifers weighing 400kg to 500kg, prices averaged 177.9p/kg in 2019.
In 2018, the same animals were at 186.8p/kg and in 2017 the average was 182p/kg.
Steers
A similar trend can be seen in the steer trade, with those animals weighing over 600kg averaging 177.9p/kg for the first six months of the year, compared with 187.9p/kg in 2018 and 185.9p/kg in 2017. It means the value of a 650kg steer is down £65 on last year.
Those weighing 500kg to 600kg averaged 181.3p/kg in 2019, down 10p/kg on last year and 6p/kg on 2017.
Animals weighing 400kg to 500kg have averaged 181.5p/kg this year, compared with 191.5p/kg in 2018 and 188p/kg in 2017.
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