Unfavourable Weather Conditions Cause Delay in Arrival of Finished Beef Cattle & Compound Off-Season Supply Dip

As summer approaches, beef producers across the United States are preparing for the annual beef kill. However, this year, farmers and ranchers are facing a unique challenge that may delay the supply of finished grass cattle. Late spring weather conditions and other unexpected factors have created a shortage of available beef, leaving producers scrambling to find ways to meet the demand. In this article, we will explore the current beef production landscape, the reasons behind the delay in supply, and the potential impact on consumers and the industry as a whole.


The arrival of finished beef cattle off grass later this year may be delayed due to unfavourable weather conditions for grazing this spring. This delay could worsen the off-season cattle supply dip. Typically, finished grass cattle start appearing at factory lairages from mid-June onwards, with heifers finishing first, followed by bullocks later in the season. Although weather conditions are expected to improve, livestock performance on grass was below par during the cold and wet conditions experienced in March and early April. Additional energy is required for cattle to regulate body heat in cold and wet weather. For the past three consecutive weeks, over 19,000 fewer cattle were slaughtered at Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) approved factories than the same period last year. The table demonstrates a breakdown of the beef kill for week 14 of this year versus last year and a comparison of the total beef kill to date. The supply of cows is expected to ease up as indicated in the above table following a prolonged period of high weekly cow kills. Meanwhile, the supply of heifers and steers is back on last year’s levels in line with Bord Bia’s projections. Weekly supplies of cattle are anticipated to remain below last year’s levels for the second quarter of the year. The cumulative beef kill in the first 15 weeks of this year, excluding veal, is over 19,000 head behind the same time period last year.


As we conclude this article, it is clear that the beef industry is facing yet another challenge with the postponement of the beef kill due to the late spring conditions. The delay in supply of finished grass cattle will undoubtedly have an impact on the market, with prices potentially rising as the demand for beef only continues to grow. However, farmers and suppliers are resilient and have faced similar obstacles before. As we move forward, it will be important to implement strategies that can help mitigate the negative effects of the delayed beef kill, while remaining mindful of the sustainability of the industry. With collaboration and innovation, the beef industry can continue to thrive and meet the needs of consumers.