Steer and heifer prices have moved on another 5c/kg this week with factory demand intensifying. Steers are trading in general on a base of €3.80/kg, with some independent plants paying a base of €3.85/kg to secure sales.

Heifers are trading on a base of €3.85/kg to €3.90/kg, with reports at the top of the market of €3.95/kg being paid to select sellers with large lots or to entice higher numbers coming on stream.

There is a clear sign that the balance of power is moving back into sellers’ hands. Factories are trying to keep a lid on prices, but with grass cattle coming to an end and peak processing for the Christmas market started, and to remain in full flow for the coming week, there is more competition in the market.

There are regional differences in demand. In parts of the south, southeast and midlands, agents report higher numbers. While there is farmer appetite to move the last grass cattle, there is also a clear signal that a lot of what remains will be bought up in the coming days.

Factories know this and are working hard to manage and source supplies for the coming week.

Their appetite for cattle can be seen by their activity in the market following last week’s two-day protest, with over 27,000 cattle processed in three days.

In the west and northwest, supplies have tightened much faster, with poor ground conditions making the decision for farmers to house or sell.

Competition between plants there is reported as heating up a notch, with one plant in the northwest paying a flat rate of €4.05/kg for quality assured (QA) R grade heifers and €4.10/kg to €4.15/kg for U grades to get sufficient supplies.

Sellers should beware that some plants are still trying to quote, or purchase, over 30 months of age steers and heifers at a 10c/kg lower base.

The reality is that most plants are wavering any age penalties on 30- to 36-month-old stock to secure deals. The advice is to price around to see what is available.

If bargaining power is poor, the mart trade is also a good alternative option with agents increasing activity for slaughter-fit cows, steers and heifers.

U grading bulls are selling from €3.80/kg to €3.85/kg, excluding producer bonuses, with specialised producers in cases securing €3.90/kg.

R grades are trading from €3.70/kg to €3.80/kg, with some deals comprising mainly U grades completed at €3.85/kg. O grade bulls are trading in the main from €3.45/kg to €3.60/kg.

Cows are steady. P+3 grading cows are selling from €2.90/kg to €3.10/kg, with large lots of P+3 and O grading cows selling for €3.15/kg to €3.20/kg.

O grading Friesians are selling from €3.10 to €3.20/kg, with continental cows to €3.30/kg. R grades are selling from €3.35/kg to €3.45/kg, with heavy U grade cows from €3.55/kg to €3.60/kg.

NI/GB trade: After a steady period, Eblex reports the British trade increasing by 2p to 4p/kg. R4l steers and heifers are trading on average for £3.60/kg (€4.78/kg including VAT). Northern Ireland’s steer and heifer base U-3 quote remains steady at £3.52/kg or the equivalent of €4.68/kg.