Turkey’s cattle market heats up again

Cattle prices in Turkey surged sharply last week, likely driven by the suspension of sales due to foot-and-mouth outbreaks in several provinces. Last week, cow prices rose by 4,000 Turkish lira (about US$ 100 per head), while calf prices increased by 2,500 Turkish lira (US$ 64). Calves are now quoted at the equivalent of about US$ 1,850, while feeder steers are being paid around US$ 2,600.

Prices for slaughter-ready cattle remain high, although when converted to US dollars, they are affected by the weakness of the Turkish lira, which is nearing 40 per US dollar. Beef steers of meat breeds with carcasses weighing 250–300 kg are paid the equivalent of US$ 11.30 per kilo, while heifers with carcasses of 200–250 kg are paid around US$ 10.30. These levels are about US$ 1.10–1.30 per kilo below the peaks reached in April.