Beef prices rise in Ireland

Irish Farmers Association Chairman Brendan Golden said beef prices have started to rise but there is still room for improvement. 

According to him, most farmers now receive 4.20 euros / kg for steers, while prices for specialized lots are up to 4.30 euros / kg. Most heifers are sold for 4.25 EUR/kg, with a maximum price of up to 4.35 EUR/kg. Prices for culled cows have stabilized and range from 3.50 euros / kg to 4.00 euros / kg, depending on the variety.

Prices in the UK have risen again, with shipments down 4% below 2020 levels, Golden said. This creates a strong demand for Irish beef during the lucrative Christmas trade.

The chairman of IFA Livestock said beef prices are 9 cents/kg below the latest Prime Export Benchmark price and should rise even further.

“Cattle supplies are forecast to be extremely limited until the end of the year,” Golden said. “Combined with reduced beef volumes in the UK and low imports from South America to the EU market, this creates a very positive market environment for Irish beef.”

Golden said farmers should actively sell. “The factories need livestock to fulfill profitable Christmas orders,” he said, stressing that in such a situation, neither farmers nor meat processors will be left behind.