Beef markets and budgets with David Argue

Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to discuss beef markets and budgets.

David outlines current beef markets and highlights that the national weekly kill has risen in the last week of September to 30,000/head. David emphasises the importance of completing a budget tailored to each farm. This should be based on the input costs and fixed costs of the farm.

The topic of the discussion then moves onto the Teagasc Beef budgets. Each budget calculates a breakeven selling price (cents/kg carcase weight) for that particular system and takes account of the purchase price and all the associated variable and fixed costs incurred. Any proposed margin per head will be additional to the breakeven price.

It is important to remember that these budgets serve as a guide. It is recommended that each individual work out their own budgets in conjunction with their local Teagasc Advisor, who can be contacted here, to best reflect their own farm situation. Purchase prices are based on the prevailing market value at the time for weanlings and store cattle. Inputs required for finishing are also set at current market values.

Listen to the full episode of the Beef Edge podcast below:

For details on the Teagasc Beef budgets are available here.

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com, more episodes and information are available on the Beef Edge podcast show page.