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Slaughter cows and young bulls achieve record prices
Slaughter cows in short supply and in demand - prices rising sharply
Meat company Danish Crown expects rising cattle prices
Cattle prices rising: More money for slaughter cows, bulls, heifers
The prices for slaughter cows and young bulls have risen significantly. Currently, cattle prices set a new record every week. And there is no end in sight to the price spiral. Market observers describe the market situation as "precarious." The limited number of slaughter cows is causing a fierce competition among slaughterhouses, leading to new record prices. This is good news for cattle breeders. The Association of Producer Groups for Livestock and Meat (VEZG) describes the market situation as follows: "The very tight supply of young bulls and female slaughter cattle at the beginning of the week, combined with strong demand from the slaughter stage, leads to a further significant increase in prices."
The supply of slaughter cows is simply too scarce to meet the high demand, according to various agricultural chambers. Despite shortened slaughter weeks, "there are by far not enough animals available to meet the demand," says the Agricultural Chamber in Schleswig-Holstein. Slaughterhouses are engaged in a fierce battle for animals to at least partially utilize their capacities, the chamber reports. The battle is being fought over the price, causing prices for slaughter cows to rise in the north as well. However, the meat demand in the north remains somewhat subdued due to the extremely high price level, according to the chamber. Overall, the situation in the German cattle slaughter market is precarious, leading to rising prices in the north as well. One factor is the continued decrease in the cattle population in Germany (-3.5%), as in previous years. Therefore, experts expect a decline in beef production by 2025. With the start of the grazing season, the market observers at the chamber in Rhineland-Palatinate anticipate an even tighter supply of slaughter cows, which is likely to further drive prices up. There is no end in sight to the price spiral.
Meat company Danish Crown also sees room for cattle prices to rise in Europe. According to their report on Friday, the Easter holidays reduced supply. In addition, there is a strong demand. Therefore, the sales department of the export-oriented company has raised prices. The market in Southern Europe is particularly strong. Exquisite cuts are still being purchased there. Greece is also waking up from a long fasting period. About 98% of Greeks are Orthodox Christians, so the 40-day fasting period before Easter is significant there. Both factors contribute to higher prices, says Henning Sønnichsen, Sales Director at Danish Crown Beef. In contrast, markets outside Europe are less interesting for the Danish slaughterhouse, as prices there are lower. Fresh meat is mainly sold on the European market, and by-products are sold in markets like Africa. "We are continuously increasing prices in all markets - including the Danish market," Sønnichsen said. Therefore, there are also initial signs that consumer demand is focusing on campaigns. "But as things stand at the moment, prices have to rise," emphasized the Sales Director at Danish Crown Beef.
The unified price for slaughter cows has increased by 10 cents once again, reaching new record highs. The German cattle prices have already surpassed the records from 2022. The current price determination by VEZG on Monday, April 28, shows that the unified price for slaughter cows has risen by 10 cents, now standing at 5.8 Euro/kg slaughter weight (SG) for cows in class O3, reaching a new peak. For young bulls in trading class R3, there is also an increase of 10 cents - namely 6.6 Euro/kg SG. For young bulls in class O3, VEZG reported a price of 6.4 Euro/kg SG. For class U3 animals, slaughterhouses pay 6.65 Euro/kg SG (each QS goods), which is also 10 cents more than before. Cattle breeders are now also getting more money for heifers, namely 6.25 Euro/kg SG in class R3 and 5.85 Euro/kg SG in class O3. These are each 20 cents more than the previous week - and in all categories, new record prices.