Bulls match heifer prices in the factories
FACTORIES pulled back on prices at the beginning last week in anticipation of a slowdown running into Christmas, but huge demand for bulls and heifers meant that prices recovered to levels that are stronger than ever, according to Livestock Price Coordinator for the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ISCA), John Cleary.
Commenting on the trade, Mr Cleary said: "It really has been a dramatic turn of events this week. At the start of the week, all the information we were hearing on the ground was that factories had begun to pull prices as they were anticipating a slowdown in demand running into next week, but since the middle of this week it has been all change, a real u-turn.
"Prices have rebounded exceptionally well since the start of the week with enormous demand for bulls and heifers in particular. For the first time all year, bulls are making every bit as much, if not more, than heifers, which is a tremendous sign of the trade. We're looking at prices being even 10c – 15c up on the start of the week so that's a nice early Christmas present for farmers in the south."
Mr Cleary said that, in Kerry, the store trade was well back last week. That means the factories are doing well so if a farmer has a bit stock left then now is the time to get them into the factories and take advantage of the prices before Christmas.
