Journalists

Factories: Tide turning as Kepak first to raise sheep prices 

Last week the factories appeared to have plugged the holes in their price quotes that kept putting downward pressure on prices.

We're producing the world's best beef so why are prices so low? 

The IFA had spent the weeks leading up to last Wednesdays' Beef Forum meeting criticising the factories on prices.

Lamb price leakage plugged for now 

I referred to the sheep trade as being like Noah's Ark last week, but an ark that had sprung a leak as regards prices. I am happy to report that factories seemed to have plugged, at least temporarily, those leaks. However, the boat is now riding very low in the water from the farmer's point of view.

Pictures and Prices: Cattle trade stays on an even keel as farmers focus on late harvest 

Last week numbers rebounded somewhat, but the overall effect on prices was relatively muted.

Beef price ship steadies as factories crank up throughput 

Reports from across the country last weekend indicated that factory prices for beef had stabilised.

Bullock prices slide by up to €36/head as appetite for stock becomes 'measured' 

Prices for both bullocks and heifers fell back across a majority of weight categories in a meaningful way for the first time in over a month.

Sheep factories and mart prices roundup: Prices hold at €4.80-4.85/kg 

Once again there was no movement on the price of either lambs or cull ewes this week.

Beef prices harden on back of British demand 

Beef prices have hardened by €20-€40/hd over the last week on the back of stronger demand in the British market and increased factory bite for stock.

Looks aren't everything - how to spot a bargain 

Six weeks ago, Maurice Brosnan of Gortatlea Mart was calming concerns over potential fodder shortages in these pages, saying: "Farmers were putting cattle into sheds on September 1 last year - this year we have six weeks grass in front of us."

Beef prices stay stalled in factories gridlock 

Factory prices continue to remain at a standstill this week, pretty much like the traffic around the Dawn plant in Ballyhaunis yesterday morning.

Factories: Lamb prices are finally coming up for air 

If the sheep trade was Noah's Ark, those who might occupy the below-decks spaces would be well justified in complaining over the last month that the "bloody boat" is leaking.

Drive to increase contract-rearing pool in the west 

A major drive by Teagasc to expand the contract-rearing of dairy stock in the north-west could help alleviate fodder pressures on holdings in the south and east.

Marts: Ploughing muddies the waters but trade steady 

The Ploughing dominated farming affairs last week. Did this year's Ploughing affect the cattle trade as it has done in the past? In a word, yes. Although marts in the extreme west appeared less affected.

Sheep farmers resist lamb price cuts as supply tightens 

The question among those in the know on the ground yesterday was whether the trade was on the point of steadying up.

Factories under fire over 'scandalous' beef prices 

Beef factories and the IFA are on a collision course after processors have again moved to cut prices ahead of what they predict will be a very difficult autumn and winter for the sector.

Farmers on the back foot as factories get ruthless 

My wife's niece and her London-born husband came for dinner on Sunday, and while the various family dramas were discussed, myself and the Englishman settled in after the meal to watch the All Ireland football final.

GALLERY: Cattle price crisis fears as plain cattle set to flood market 

Figures, like facts, are funny things: taken out of context you can get the wrong message.

No light at end of tunnel as dark arts keep lid on beef prices 

Last weekend saw a televised festival of faith as Pope Francis arrived. There was great fanfare and spectacle. You couldn't but be moved by the singing and the outpouring of emotion.

Factories: Big numbers prompt more lamb price pulls 

All factory lamb quotes were back 10-15c/kg this week, with ewes also back 10c/kg at some plants.

Beef farmers sell fodder rather than buy livestock 

Many beef farmers have decided against finishing cattle this winter and are opting to sell their valuable fodder stocks instead.

Mart price roundup: The latest prices from marts around the country 

Beef prices stay level despite bid to pull things back 

My first job this Tuesday morning is to extend my congratulations to my mother's county, Limerick on Sunday's All Ireland success.

Factory assault on lamb price resumes 

The factory assault on sheep prices resumed this week. Factory quotes for lamb this week range from €4.80/kg to €4.90/kg, before bonus payments, which is from 5-10c/kg less than last week. Quotes for cull ewes remain unchanged at all plants except the two ICM's which clipped their quote by 10c/kg.

Mart Trade: Lighter cattle could result in future two-tier trade 

The Ringside figures from last week appear to show a mart trade for bullocks that had weakened slightly with overall average losses of between 2-4c/kg.

Pictures: Better quality animals drive on the cattle prices' rally 

Last week saw the mart trade continue the recovery in prices that began two weeks ago. All average prices on both the bullock and heifer tables are up, and some of them quite significantly.

Factories dig in as trade steady for lambs and culls 

The short version of this week's sheep price report is no news is good news, meaning there was no movement either up or down on factory quotes yesterday morning.

Beef price pendulum swings back in favour of the farmer 

THERE are signs of positive movement in the factory this week.

Beef prices steady as stability returns to the trade 

Stability seems to be returning to the trade and prices appear to have steadied at last. Bullock quotes range from €3.85-3.90/kg, with heifers on €3.95-4.00/kg.

Lamb prices hold as factories chase supplies for Eid 

The factories have started to pursue supplies to fill contracts associated with the Muslim Eid al-Adha festival which starts on August 21.

Relief as lamb prices begin to bounce back 

The sheep farmers of Ireland truly are a different breed. Not unlike the Limerick hurlers against Cork on Sunday, they have made a huge turnaround. They have succeeded over the weekend where their cattle farming cousins have failed.

Cattle buyers seize opportunity to tighten the screw on farmers 

It would be really nice if I could tie the classic hurling that was played over the weekend to some positive comments about the direction of factory cattle prices - but I can't.

Farmers selling off shares to cover bills 

Farmers have been forced to sell shares and equities as a result of the crippling cost of the current fodder crisis.

Culled dairy cows driving prices down for beef men 

Figures supplied by the factories to the Department of Agriculture for last week show the overall kill to be 36,373. Interestingly, however, they also reveal that average cull cow prices, while reduced, are far from the disaster portrayed by some.

Ringside: Trade steadies as lamb supplies begin to tighten 

The best that can be said about factory lamb prices this week is that not all factories chose to reduce their official quotes.

Farmers feel squeeze on beef prices as processors tighten grip 

I had a conversation last weekend with a chef in a city hotel which told me a lot about how non-farming people can perceive issues in the farming sector.

Ringside: Lamb prices on the verge of collapse 

FARM leaders are again questioning the commitment of sheep processors to the sector.

Marts are packed but buyers are hard to find 

Fear of what may lie ahead as regards the continuing drought and fodder shortages is beginning to stalk the thinking of the farming community. The effects of this fear became evident at marts last week where some with cattle to sell appeared to heave a sigh of relief as the hammer finally fell.

Beef Prices: Cull cow numbers up as squeeze continues 

The pressure on factory cattle prices continues to mount. Figures from Bord Bia show that at 9,038 for the week ending June 30, the number of cull cows going into the food chain are up almost 20pc on the same week in 2017.

Things get ugly as factories put the squeeze on lamb prices 

ICSA sheep chair John Brooks was in top form yesterday with some barbed comments directed at the processing sector as he discussed falling sheep prices.

Factories turn up the heat on lamb prices 

While sheep prices are not exactly melting like an unguarded ice cream in the sun, yesterday morning saw factories again turn up the heat on prices.

Cattle prices slump as farmers offload stock 

Cattle prices have taken a serious hit in the marts and factories this week as farmers with parched fields and tight grass supplies continue to offload stock.

Beef Prices: Cattlemen counting the cost of dairy expansion 

My local postman is about to discover what happens when things fall from a height. He is doing a charity parachute jump for the wheelchair association. A fair feat of bravery in any circumstances, but even more so in this case as this man has never actually been in a plane.

Factories using 'extra ewes as lamb back up' 

The general consensus among factory buyers yesterday was that "numbers are coming away steadily". Unfortunately, quoted prices for lamb yesterday were not steady; this week's cut is from 10-20c/kg.

Fodder shortage fears sparks panic buying amongst farmers 

Large numbers of cattle are being offloaded and farmers are back feeding stock as the scorching heat has burned off grass growth.

World cup boost for beef farmers 

Beef farmers are set for a World Cup bounce, with the IFA predicting a stronger trade for manufacturing beef in Britain as the festival of football gathers pace in Russia.

Rising kill numbers put the squeeze on beef prices 

At the start of June, general quotes for bullocks ran from €4.20/kg to €4.30/kg, while heifers were trading at €4.25-4.35/kg.

Factories back down on tide of lamb price cuts 

I spoke to one sheep factory representative yesterday and after our conversation on the trade concluded, I asked if he was he watching the World Cup. "No," he replied, "hurling is my thing, and more so since we're sailing the top of a wave down here with Davy Fitzgerald."

Factory bosses dogged in their determination to trim prices 

Five points up with just 10 minutes remaining Tipperary hurlers thought they had it in the bag on Sunday, but Clare had other ideas and by the time the final whistle blew in Thurles the Banner had beaten the 2016 All-Ireland champions.

Factories: Brief respite for sheep farmers but more lamb cuts loom 

After almost a month of constant price pressure during which lamb fell by up to €1.20/kg or €24.60/kg on a 20.5kg carcase, yesterday morning saw factory prices recover slightly.

Fall-off in numbers driving a price rally at cattle marts 

Last week's trade returned to a more confident footing as the good weather lessened numbers in some places, resulting in more competition at ringside.

Beef grid could be back in force with some farmers unhappy with accuracy 

Ahead of yesterday's Waterford versus Tipperary championship match the expectation was that the Déise could expect a very thorough examination from the Premier County.

Factories: Sheep farmers reeling from processors price cuts' blitz 

For the third week in a row factories pulled back their opening bids for spring lamb, this time by 30-40c/kg. Overall quotes for lamb have now fallen by a cumulative figure of between 90-120c/kg in three weeks.

Factories: Game of two halves after early week price wobble 

Last weekend saw a plethora of inter-county hurling matches played around the country. What a lot of them had in common was that the media experts correctly called the result in advance.

Bullock prices take a tumble while heifers rise again 

When any event happens, the reason behind it is always open to scrutiny and interpretation.

'Factories are putting boot into farmers' - Lamb prices slashed by up to €12/hd 

When goalkeeper Loris Karius, who had a nightmare in the Champions League final on Saturday, is offloaded by Liverpool, I suspect our sheep factories might queue up to sign him. When it comes to dropping things, they are made for each other.

Factories: Spring lamb faces factory price crunch 

Early this week saw all factories attempt to crunch spring lamb prices as they dropped their official quotes by 10-20c/kg. The short story is that lamb is now being quoted at €6.60-6.80/kg, while Dawn and the two ICM plants are the only plants officially quoting for hoggets.

Spring lamb faces factory price crunch 

This week saw all factories attempt to crunch spring lamb prices as they dropped their official quotes by 10-20c/kg.

UK demand for beef keeps marching on and on 

We were an odd bunch watching the royal wedding in my kitchen. Myself -the farmer with little in the way of royal leanings; my wife, the unabashed royalist and lover of weddings in general; my vet, a German with strong views on matters military.

Beef trade: Agents are 'very keen' for cattle 

In the ongoing cattle game between factories and farmers, it has become obvious even to the most casual observer that things have ratcheted up several gears over the last couple of weeks.

Little change as lamb prices level off across the board 

Broadly speaking, prices for hogget, spring lambs and cull ewes remain fixed at last week's levels.

Forward cattle up to €80/hd higher than 2017 figures 

With the weather improving, cattle marts last week saw a continuation of strong numbers and strong prices for good cattle.

New pricing structure as factories turn on the charm 

Around the turn of the year, I heard that some factory bosses had instructed their agents to find out what cattle their clients had in sheds.

Shippers gear up for live cattle trade rebound 

The export trade is starting to pick up with shippers again showing interest in bull weanlings under 10 months up to 350kg says Glen Cooper of Mountrath Mart.

Factories and farmers are at odds on the Ramadan factor 

There are two very distinct camps this week when it comes sheep price prospects. On the one side you have the IFA and ICSA, both of whom claim the trade is strong and will get stronger as we approach the Islamic festival of Ramadan.

Lamb prices: 'Sticky' trade for driven by French market 

There have been some attempts by factories to undermine farmer confidence in the market place.

Beef prices take refuge on higher ground 

"It's hard to get a handle on it, but they're not any less". That brief summary of where factory beef prices were at yesterday morning was given to me by a factory agent, who occasionally has a foot in more than one plant.

Factories: Boost for farmers as hogget prices jump again 

Ivan Moffitt of Manorhamilton mart rates sheep as "the only job at the moment". The statement is backed up by the fact that, despite poor weather, for the second week in a row sheep farmers are walking on sunshine as factory quotes for hogget jumped another 20-25c/kg over the weekend.

Red-hot trade for hoggets could last till summer 

The red-hot trade for hoggets and lamb could last until mid-summer.

Beef prices edge upwards onto firmer ground 

Manchester City secured their third premier league title in seven seasons on Sunday with five games still to play.

Marts trade: Buyers think 'forward' as weather keeps sales on hold 

Weather and grass considerations continue to affect the mart trade as those with stock to sell appear to be holding back on numbers thus far.

Factories: Hogget prices rise 25c/kg as positive cycle gathers pace 

The factory sheep trade pushed into further positive territory this week as hogget price increased by as much as 25c/kg. All the factories quoted a minimum of €6.00/kg for hogget, while Kildare Chilling moved to €6.10+10c/kg bonus, just ahead of both Dawn Ballyhaunis and Kepak Athleague, who are on €6.05/kg + 5c/kg bonus.

'Factories don't know where they are going to get finished cattle' - Beef prices to rise 'significantly' 

While there was no general forward movement on prices over the week, some with market-specific stock succeeded over the weekend in pushing the price boundaries.

Trade takes a positive turn as heifers hit €4.15/kg 

WE have just come out of the third consecutive short working week for processors. It is a factor that had many speculating that factories would use those lost working days to help them manage available numbers.

Ringside: Trade is steady despite March's 'skinning' days 

There's a story in Irish folklore about an old, brown-striped cow that boasted that the harsh weather of March could not kill her. March took exception to this claim and, borrowing three days from April, renewed the assault with added fury. Savage rain, hail, snow gales and cold poured down on the boastful cow.

Lamb prices: Supply stable ahead of the Easter feast 

This week's price table, shows no change for hogget prices from last week although the ICM group, which controls over 40pc of the national sheep kill, do lift their quote for cull ewes by 10c/kg to €3.00/kg. Is this a sign of an improving market?

Attack the best form of defence on beef prices 

There are times in every football match when you have to concede the ball to the opposition. That's when the strength of your defence is tested.

GALLERY: Reality bites as price gains reversed in bullock trade (trade back €60-80/head) 

The traditional trade at this time of year is driven by buyers who, having gauged early grass growth, set about buying stock in advance based on the results.

Beef trade finely balanced as processors chase supply 

The current situation on the factory side of the business is that over the last month factory bosses have been a bit like the English pack at Twickenham - when it's not going your way collapse the scrum.

It's lift-off on sheep prices: New season lamb quotes top €7.20/kg 

Readers of a certain age may remember the ad for Guinness Light, a product that was one of the most infamous flops in drinks' industry history.

Push for stock sees quality bullocks jump €100-€150/hd 

QUESTION marks are being raised over whether 'panic buying' is causing a ringside surge.

Beef Prices: Agents are hoovering up all the stock they can get 

WITH the Cheltenham Gold Cup imminent I was hoping to use a racing analogy this week to add a bit of colour to the factory report.

Spring comes early as lamb prices surge 50c/kg 

SHEEP prices at the factory gate picked up considerable speed over the past week.

GALLERY: A week can be a long time in the beef game 

A week is a long time in the cattle trade.

Beef prices rise 5c/kg as trade begins to find its feet 

As the country gets back to normal after the big snow of 2018 the cattle trade is beginning to find its feet.

Have cattle prices, like the weather, become frozen? 

Like most of the country, I woke up yesterday to frozen ground and the prospect of snow and even colder weather to come.

Prices take a seasonal tumble as buyers bide their time 

The buoyancy in the mart trade slowed down last week, a trend reflected in falls across almost all weight and quality categories on the ringside table.

'Fierce competition' sees dairy heifers hit €2,250/hd 

A buoyant trade is reported for dairy heifers as demand for replacement stock appears to be trumping uncertainty over milk prices for the year ahead.

Beef prices hit €4.00/kg for stock that tick all the boxes 

IF the factory end of the cattle business at present was to be compared to a football match you'd be saying it was tight all across the park.

Hogget prices rising despite dirty sheep row 

Prices for hogget jumped significantly early this week.

Are we losing the future generation of beef breeders to dairying? 

It is not the first time that auctioneer Jim Bushe of New Ross mart has warned about the state of suckler production in his part of the country.

'Dirty' sheep saga takes another twist as prices rise 

Changing circumstances sometimes make for strange alliances.

Improved beef prices across the board despite high kill figure 

I'm a big Star Trek fan. The classic TV show had Captain Kirk and Mr Spock of the Starship Enterprise involved every week in some strange yet interesting adventure in some far flung corner of the galaxy.

Factories quotes rising despite clean sheep saga 

The clean sheep saga continues to rumble on, however it is having no negative effect on prices.

Are beef price rises in the offing? 

The short message on cattle prices this week is that they appear stable. Bullocks were being almost universally quoted at €3.90/kg yesterday morning, with heifers steady at €4.00/kg.

Marts: Cattle prices steady despite cull cow influx 

Last week appears to have been a largely positive week for those with cattle to sell at the marts.

Supplies are tightening as hogget quotes rise 5-10c/kg 

Life isn't simple and I can tell you that trying to understand the nuances of the sheep trade is downright complicated. Take yesterday morning for example.

The squeeze is on as the factories shave beef prices 

With last week's cattle kill creeping up over 34,000, the effect of high numbers on prices continues.

GALLERY: Bullock prices the one bright light from a sluggish week at the marts 

Before receiving the ringside figures for last week, I had expected mart prices to show some signs of stability even allowing for recent wobbles in factory prices.

Reality bites as January blues grip beef trade 

A cattleman I know used the phrase "blue January" to describe the trade at his local mart.

Sheep trade is under pressure from 'dirty' sheep issue 

The sheep trade a bit like the cattle trade appears to be suffering from winter blues as the bigger factories quoting for hogget yesterday morning eased back by between prices 5-10c/kg.

Cattle marts: Prices push on as mart numbers stay strong 

The majority of marts have swung back into action, with numbers surprisingly strong in some areas of the country for the time of year.

The rich list is one thing, factory quotes are another 

MANY readers may, like ­myself, have sat down after Sunday dinner and perused the Sunday Independent's 'Rich List'. If you did, after half an hour your head would have been swirling from figures from the figures ­connected with farming and its performance in 2017.

Anyone for the last few brollies? - Factories demand bone-dry and spotless ewes and lambs 

I’m told that the next big thing in sheep fashion could be the umbrella coat.

Beef Trade: Heifer prices hit €4.10/kg as seasonal rush kicks in 

Factory bosses and agents I spoke to over the weekend managed to obscure what might be achievable on prices by placing a lot of emphasis instead on the kill figure which last week stood at 39,400.

Cattle prices finally rise in unison across the divisions 

The ringside tables over the last six weeks have seen a lot of fluctuations. Prices fell one week and rose the next with on occasion a rhythm of one-up, one-down creeping into the relationship between the price of heifers and bullocks.