The weekly cattle kill took another huge hit last week with the kill falling 3,300 head in the last seven days. This followed on from a 2,800 head drop for the previous week. Factories are now scrambling for supplies.
Most processors have dispatched agents to marts with some agents going to battle in marts to secure adequate supplies of cattle.
Better weather has boosted demand in the UK, with manufacturing beef sales particularly strong and burger sales taking a big jump in the last few weeks. Base quotes have risen another 10c/kg this week, with bullocks now moving at €6.40/kg, while heifers are trading at a base price of as high as €6.60/kg in some locations. Flat prices have also kicked on, with €7/kg on the table for in-spec Aberdeen Angus bullocks and heifers.
Cows are also in big demand with over €6/kg being paid for P+3 cows this week. Prices across the water in Britain have also steadied this week, with tightening supplies and increased demand also driving prices.
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