Prices for Uruguayan slaughter cattle continued to strengthen, with special grassfed steers returning to the record high of US$5.70/kg carcass weight, a level first reached in late February and matched again at the end of May.
Tight supplies of grassfed cattle and firm buying interest continue to support the market. Special grassfed steers are quoted at US$5.70/kg, while good-quality finished steers are trading around US$5.60/kg carcass weight.
Plants operating kosher programs remain the main price leaders, as they require heavy, well-finished cattle—primarily steers but also cows. Processors without the need to secure large volumes of high-quality cattle are bidding at lower levels.
Heavy cows yielding 240-250 kg carcasses are quoted at US$5.30-5.35/kg, while lighter finished cows with 220-230 kg carcasses are trading around US$5.20/kg.
Domestic demand also remains strong for light special steers and heifers, with the latter reaching US$5.60/kg.
Winter forage crops and improved pastures remain behind normal development due to limited sunshine. Forecast widespread rainfall is expected to replenish soil moisture in several regions, although excessive precipitation could create additional short-term supply constraints.
Market expectations remain for firm conditions and a gradual upward trend in prices.
