Martin Coughlan

1 week ago | independent.ie | Martin Coughlan

Despite quotes for springs not moving above last week’s €9.50-9.60/kg plus bonuses, IFA sheep chair Adrian Gallagher claimed yesterday that factories were paying up to €10/kg. His ICSA counterpart William Shaw disputes this, however, saying the all-in price for spring lamb topped out at €9.80-9.90/kg. While factories will no doubt fight tooth and nail to keep a majority of suppliers below €10/kg, they can very quickly up their offer should market conditions require it.

1 week ago | independent.ie | Martin Coughlan

Mart trade falters as factories warn of halt to price risesMartsThe mart trade was sent into reverse last week – prices fell in all sections. Photo: Roger JonesStrong numbers continued in most marts last week but there were definite indications that they have started to ease in some places. You might expect prices to improve at this time of the year, with the weather and ground conditions excellent – albeit grass growth is limited – but this has not been an ordinary year.

1 week ago | independent.ie | Martin Coughlan

Sky-high beef prices are here to stay, says leading UK finisher‘There are just not enough cattle in the system,’ says Doug Dear, who finishes 4,000 cattle a year in a specialised fattening unit in YorkshireDoug Dear on his North Yorkshire fattening unitBeef prices in the UK have rocketed in the last six months because the market is desperately short of beef – and that is not going to change any time soon.

1 week ago | independent.ie | Martin Coughlan

The processors know that a small thing can knock confidence and bring the most headstrong finisher back into line, while at the same time convincing those with cattle to sell that pausing any further price increases is in everyone’s interest. Sellers will fight for more, but factories have introduced just enough uncertainty into the minds of farmers and feeders to cause them to consider how good prices are, without having to pull the rug out from under the trade.

2 weeks ago | independent.ie | Martin Coughlan

Lighter stock continue to drive on but heavier animals starting to slow down‘We’ve probably hit the top of the market for prices’, says one mart managerWith the weather good and farmers looking for stores, bullocks under 500kg drove on, as did your lighter heifer. Photo: Roger JonesSpring last year was difficult for farmers – it was the sixth wettest on record. This resulted in poor grazing conditions, with animals having to be rehoused.