Beef prices in the main remain firm despite some factories trying to talk down the trade in recent days. Steer prices are reported to be quite firm, with most sellers securing a base of €3.90/kg. In some cases higher prices have been reported, but in general they have only been paid to those sellers with good numbers of in-spec cattle.

Carcase weight continues to be an issue at most plants, with price penalties of 10c/kg being enforced on farmers with carcases over 420kg or 430kg depending on the plant. Sellers slaughtering larger numbers with just a few overweight may be getting some heavy types through without the 10c/kg cut.

Bulls

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R and U grade bulls are continuing to move at base prices of €3.80/kg to €3.90/kg. O grade bulls are reported to be making from €3.60/kg to €3.70/kg for Friesians, with some prices of up to €3.75/kg being paid to finishers with larger numbers of fleshed bulls.

The carcase weight issue is having an impact on the ability of farmers to bargain for deals. Bulls over 430kg are being hit with a 10c/kg penalty, although where the number of bulls over 430kg is small, price cuts are not being applied.

Heifers

The heifer trade continues to be steady. Base prices of €4.00/kg to €4.05/kg are most common. There have been prices of €4.10/kg paid, but only in a minority of cases to larger finishers.

Cows

The cow trade continues to be a firm one. Finishers supplying O grade cows are securing bases of €3.10/kg to €3.20/kg. P grade cows are moving at €2.95/kg to €3.05/kg, but mostly from €2.95/kg to €3.00/kg. Sellers with R grades are getting €3.25/kg to €3.45/kg at the top of the market.