This week’s factory quotes sees another price increase in the beef trade with the higher-end of price offerings for today (Monday, December 9) 5c/kg above last Monday’s price quotes.
Procurement staff are saying many of the major Christmas orders have been filled by now but despite this, processors are still actively looking for cattle with 5-day kills both this week and next week at most sites.
Last week, Warrendale Wagyu announced details of a forward-price contract available for spring 2025 born dairy-beef Wagyu-cross calves with up to €7.60/kg available when these cattle reach slaughter at approximately 24-months-of-age.
While the initiative is only expected to see approximately 1,000 cattle supplied through it initially, it will be interesting to see the level of demand for this type of a forward-price arrangement.
Factory quotes: Heifers and steers
Steers (bullocks) are being quoted at €5.40-5.45/kg on the grid while heifers are being quoted at €5.45-5.50/kg on the grid.
In-spec R-grade Angus heifers are making over €6.15/kg in cases this week where breed and processor sustainability bonuses are factored in to prices.
While beef prices are currently at record highs, the agreement of the controversial Mercosur deal on Friday, December 6, could have major negative impacts on European beef prices if ratified by EU member states.
Cow price
Prices for fleshed cows with carcass weights above 270kg have strengthened this week but some processors are noting larger volumes of short-fleshed, lighter cows arriving at lairages and are saying prices have tightened on these types of cows.
There remains a big variation in cow prices between outlets with some factories stronger than others on cow price.
The table below details the weighted average prices in c/kg including VAT paid for cows in the week ending Sunday December 1:
E U R O P Weighted Avg. 1 – 510 496 463 383 387 2 550 530 516 489 451 461 3 555 536 520 491 469 488 4 – 532 517 490 473 498 5 520 525 517 496 500 511 Weighted Avg. 545 533 518 489 435 461
U grade cows are being quoted at up to €5.40/kg this week with €5.20-5.30/kg being quoted for R grade cows. O grade cows are being quoted at €4.80-4.90/kg and P grade cows are being quoted at €4.70-4.80/kg.
Bulls
Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €5.75/kg and €5.65/kg for U and R grade bulls respectively with O and P grade bulls being quoted at €5.50 and €5.40/kg. More money is available in cases for for bulls.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted €5.45-5.50/kg on the grid.