While Irish beef factories continue to try and put downward pressure on the trade, prices are continuing to strengthen across Britain.

In Scotland this week, R grading steers are selling for the equivalent of €4.65 to €4.70/kg, with heifers attracting similar prices.

For the same quality animal, Irish farmers are receiving the equivalent of €3.80/kg to €3.85kg or typically €280/head less than their Scottish counterparts.

Tight supplies continue to drive the English trade, with steer prices at £3.55/kg or the equivalent of €4.35/kg or €180/head over the Irish price.

IFA president Joe Healy called on the meat factories to reverse the beef price cuts and restore some level of confidence to producers.

He said that, based on the market returns from the UK, it is clear the factories could easily reverse some of the price cuts of recent weeks and increase returns to Irish farmers currently selling at a loss.