March 14, 2013

Ireland export plants report strong cattle supplies

Export plants in Ireland have been reporting strong supplies of sheep and cattle.

As expected, throughput has risen due to carryover into early 2013. However, pig supplies have tightened after decreases in breeding herd size.

Up to first week of March, cattle supplies at export meat plants were around 9% higher at 260,400 head. AIM data for the December 1, 2012, shows an increase of almost 170,200 head in the number of cattle in the 12-24 month age bracket, compared to a year earlier.

Most of the increase in availability to date has been evident in the steer category. Despite the increase in cattle supplies, the R3 steer and heifer price has increased by 3% and 4.5%, respectively.

The December 2012 livestock survey showed an increase of over 2% in the sheep breeding flock at 2.58 million head.

Supplies at export meat plants to date are running 32% higher at 405,300 head as increased numbers were carried forward into 2013. In response to increased availability, Irish sheep prices are running 17% lower.

In terms of pigs, export meat plant supplies are currently about 3% below last year's levels, reflecting higher feed costs combined with changes in welfare legislation.

For the year, the pig supply base is forecast to fall by between 3%-4%. The breeding herd recorded a fall of 2% in the December 2012 livestock survey.