Mart prices have increased by €15 to €40 in the last week.

Finishers delayed by protests are back buying cattle, while mart managers also report farmers looking to invest for tax purposes before year end.

This is in contrast to a sluggish beef trade. Average base price rose by 5c/kg to 10c/kg, with steers trading from a base of €3.50/kg to €3.55/kg and heifers from €3.55/kg to €3.60/kg.

Farmers are frustrated that prices are not rising higher. The new beef price index has marginally increased by 1c/kg, while IFA president Joe Healy points to the gap between Irish and British prices rising to 52p/kg or €187 on a typical carcase.