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HomeBeef‘A weakening’ in northern beef prices with further fall next week
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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‘A weakening’ in northern beef prices with further fall next week

According to a spokesperson for the LMC (Livestock and Meat Commission), prices “saw a weakening” across factories in Northern Ireland this week.

The commission reported that base quotes for in-spec U-3 grade steers and heifers ranged from 414-426p/kg at the end of this week.

However, the LMC reported that paid prices indicate that higher prices are available than these quotes suggest.

“The trade for cows also remained steady this week. Quotes for good quality O+3 grade cows ranging from 330-350p/kg with prices for next week expected to be back to 320-350p/kg.”

Northern beef prices 

According to the LMC,

  • The average heifer price in NI last week was
    427.7p/kg, back 1.7p/kg from the previous week, while the R3 heifer price fell by 0.7p/kg to 436.8p/kg;
  • The average cow price in NI last week decreased by 7.1p/kg from the previous week to 324p/kg, while the O3 cow price saw an increase of 1.8p/kg to 360.3p/kg;
  • The average steer price in NI last week was up by 0.1p/kg to 425p/kg, with the R3 steer price up just over half-a-penny to 436.2p/kg.
Kill figures in Northern Ireland 

According to the LMC, prime cattle slaughterings in local plants last week stood at 8,000 head – an increase of 1,491 head from the previous week.

This brings prime cattle throughput for the last four weeks to 29,214 head, an increase of 2,770 head from the previous four-week period when prime cattle throughput totalled 26,444 head.

Meanwhile, cow slaughterings in NI last week increased to 2,451 head which brings cow throughput for the last four weeks to 9,315 head, an increase of 887 head from the previous four-week period.

Prime cattle imports from ROI for direct slaughter last week totalled 308 head, a decrease of 101 head from the previous week.

Cull cattle imports consisted of 85 cows and one bull, the LMC added.

Meanwhile, cattle exports from NI to ROI for direct slaughter last week comprised of 51 prime cattle and 54 cull cattle.

Other news articles on That’s Farming:

–      Breakeven price of €6.54/kg for bull beef finishers in 2023

–      Steer winter finishers could need up to €5.98/kg to breakeven in 2023 – Teagasc

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