Cattle prices firm as kosher crews return

Slaughter cattle trading shows the same pattern as in recent weeks, but there is now more room to secure higher prices for special, heavy steers to supply kosher teams that are restarting operations in the region.

Most steer business is still done at US$ 4.50–4.60 per kg carcass weight, as in previous weeks. Even so, deals at US$ 4.65—and occasionally US$ 4.70—for animals with carcasses over 260 kg are increasingly achievable. “The base prices are unchanged, but top lots have moved from US$ 4.60 to 4.65,” one trader said yesterday.

“There is demand across all categories,” another source added, noting packers’ interest in lighter cattle destined mainly for the domestic market and paid about US$ 4.60 for steers and US$ 4.55 for heifers. Holstein animals are also in demand.

Cows with 220–230 kg carcasses fetch US$ 4.30 4.35, while those at 240 kg and up make about US$ 4.40.

Bookings are generally one week after the deal, though plants working on the 481 quota have slightly longer lead times.

The delayed onset of cold weather continues to support supply; however, this week’s forecast rains have so far fallen short of what some central regions need.

From next week, plants now focused on 481 quota slaughter will start requiring more grassfed cattle, and kosher teams—whose demand is based on heavy steers, which are scarce—will also be back in action. The market is expected to stay firm.