IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods has said the cattle trade remains reasonably strong with the base price for steers at €4.10 and some top prices of €4.15/4.20.
He said heifers have improved in price with €4.30/kg a more common base but prices ranging from €4.20 to €4.30.
On numbers, he said the weekly kill is running at 31,500 head but demand is very strong and there is not an ounce of beef in stock. He said the UK market continues to improve with very strong demand. UK prices of £3.64/kg are equivalent to €4.45/kg including VAT.
On live exports, Angus Woods said it is very positive to see another boat back in again to load for Turkey. He said it is essential for competition that a strong and vibrant live export trade is maintained through the summer and export numbers increase as we approach the second half of the year.
IFA National Sheep Chairman John Lynskey has said the lamb market remains buoyant with strong demand and factories paying €6.20/6.30 for spring lambs.
Some top prices of €6.35/kg are being paid. He said hoggets are making €5.20 and ewes are ranging from €2.60 to €2.85/kg.
Encouraging farmers to select lambs carefully and sell when fit, John Lynskey said demand is strong with Ramadan commencing at the weekend. The mart trade is very strong, with quality lambs making over €130.
The IFA sheep farmer leader said there are other positives in the market with lamb skins making €4 as opposed to only €1 this time last year. In addition, he said the view in the trade is that the value of the fifth quarter including castings will also pick up as the season progresses.
On the Clean Sheep Policy, John Lynskey said IFA is due to meet with the Department of Agriculture and Meat Industry Ireland (MII) next week. In addition he said Irish Country Meats (ICM) is not applying any clipping charges on spring lambs. This was confirmed to the IFA by ICM at a meeting on sheep issues in Camolin Co Wexford last week.