Like many other countries in Europe, current livestock prices generally strengthened throughout 2020. Prices took a dip in April-May time as the initial effects of COVID-19 related lockdowns and disruption were felt, but recovered in the second half of the year.
The deadweight price for an Irish R3-grade steer fell to a low of €3.40/kg in mid-April, before gaining €0.35 to peak at €3.75/kg in mid-August. Prices were supported towards the end of the year by some re-opening of UK food service, then Christmas buying and stockpiling before the Brexit deadline.
Despite the growth in Irish livestock prices, the rise in GB prices has been even more marked during 2020. Prices fell to €3.71/kg in mid-April, before rising by €0.55 to peak at €4.26/kg at the end of November. Prices have continued to strengthen into 2021. In the week ending 30 January, the equivalent GB deadweight R3 steer price was €4.30/kg, €0.48 above the Irish price for the same week. Of course, as GB prices become more expensive relative to Irish prices, this makes Irish beef more price competitive.
Wicklow Calf Company is the largest importer of dairy stock for sale to Ireland, with regular imports from Germany, the Netherlands and Austria of milking and in-calf heifers, all with milk recordings. With a growing demand for the breed, we can supply bulls with full genomic tests from some of the best bloodlines, and these bulls are of Ai quality.
Wicklow Calf Company not only have large amounts of dairy livestock for sale but are always interested in buying quality livestock whether it’s a few heifers or a complete herd we always have customers looking top-quality dairy livestock.
Current Livestock Prices: Outlook for 2021
Supplies of Irish cattle look to be tighter during the first half of 2021, following higher-than-expected cattle slaughter in the second half of last year. For the full year, it is anticipated that there will be 50,000 fewer finished cattle available to slaughter. If this is realized, it could lead to a year-on-year fall in the slaughter of around 3%. Indeed, during January 2021, 4.3% fewer cattle were processed when compared to the same month in 2020. Tighter supplies may offer support to Irish cattle prices, however, export demand will be key.
From a trade point of view, the main influences on the demand for Irish beef will be how foodservice markets recover in the UK, and how much disruption is caused by the new EU-UK trading relationship.
Despite new customs checks and requirements, Irish exports to the UK are expected to remain high due to the importance of the market, although the added costs may make shipments more expensive.
So if you are searching for cheap livestock for sale, then you are in the right place. At Wicklow Calf Company, buy livestock online at a fair market price. We are here to solve all the problems related to your poultry farming needs. If you are facing any hurdle in your poultry farming, then here you can get all livestock in a single place. Buy calves according to your need for your farm. Here you can find various calf breeds so choose which is suitable for your work.