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September opens with steadier tones but thinner margins. Beef prices have eased from summer highs as more cattle come forward, milk returns remain solid though bonuses are narrowing, and fieldwork is catching up where weather allowed. Fodder planning stays front-of-mind heading into autumn.
Base steer prices are now €7.00–7.20/kg, heifers €7.05–7.25/kg, with U-grade bulls generally €7.30–7.40/kg. This is a modest pullback from July’s peaks, with most 5–10c/kg trims on heavier or plainer stock.
Throughput has risen as delayed spring finishers and grass cattle flow in greater numbers. Factories are managing supplies; R/U cows are mostly around €7.00/kg, while O/P cows fluctuate €6.40–6.90/kg. Export demand is supportive, but UK/EU wholesale trends and currency shifts are key watchpoints.
Co-ops are signalling 51–53 c/L all-in for September milk, compared with 52–54 c/L in July–August. Bases hold near 49–50 c/L, but bonuses are tightening as powder and butter markets soften.
Margins remain positive (~36 c/L average cost), though feed, fertiliser, and energy prices continue to bite. Bases are expected to hold into October, with less scope for bonuses.
Second cuts finished where late-August dry spells allowed; elsewhere, quality and regrowth are uneven. In wetter areas, bulk yields are lighter than planned. Build winter fodder budgets on average regrowth and plan buffers if September turns wet again.
Advice: Market cattle promptly when fit, focus on maximising milk solids, and prepare fodder reserves early. Keep a close eye on UK/EU demand signals and be ready to adjust quickly to weather or market shocks.
If both units are set explicitly, conversion is ignored.
