The beef trade and live store cattle trade remain at odds with one another. Beef prices are stuck in gear, with reports on supplies available varying greatly.
Some agents report higher numbers coming on stream in some parts of the south of the country over the last week, with the supply-demand balance on a tightrope.
Tight supplies
In other areas, and in particular as you move up the country, supplies appear to be tighter, with agents in cases dipping into the mart trade to supplement numbers.
Factories continue to oppose any significant upward movement in price, leaving finishers who purchased cattle last autumn in a loss-making situation.
The general base price paid for steers remains at a base of €3.65/kg. There are small numbers moving at a 2c/kg to 5c/kg higher base, while, likewise, there are a small number of plants that continue to offer a base of €3.60/kg.
Premium
The 10c/kg premium paid for heifers over steers in recent years is largely non-existent in recent weeks, with both categories of cattle moving on the one price. There is a better chance in some cases of negotiating the higher quote on quality heifers that tick all the boxes on specification.
While factories are slow to increase prices for steers and heifers, all are keen for cheaper cow beef and stock previously deemed out-of-spec and surplus to requirements.
O grading cows are trading from €2.85/kg to €3.00/kg, with some lots traded in higher numbers breaking the higher price mark.
Demand from factories specialising in the cow trade and active in the wholesale and food service market remains intense
R grading cows are trading in the main from €3.05/kg to €3.15/kg. Demand from factories specialising in the cow trade and active in the wholesale and food service market remains intense, with much higher prices continuing to be paid in sales where buyers are competing.
Northern buyers are particularly active in this regard, with in the region of 300 to 350 head exported for direct slaughter on a weekly basis.
The bull trade is unchanged, with prices best summarised as €3.20/kg to €3.35/kg for O grades, €3.50/kg to €3.55/kg for R grades and €3.60/kg to €3.65/kg for U grades.
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Beef prices: solid demand but stagnant price
The beef trade and live store cattle trade remain at odds with one another. Beef prices are stuck in gear, with reports on supplies available varying greatly.
Some agents report higher numbers coming on stream in some parts of the south of the country over the last week, with the supply-demand balance on a tightrope.
Tight supplies
In other areas, and in particular as you move up the country, supplies appear to be tighter, with agents in cases dipping into the mart trade to supplement numbers.
Factories continue to oppose any significant upward movement in price, leaving finishers who purchased cattle last autumn in a loss-making situation.
The general base price paid for steers remains at a base of €3.65/kg. There are small numbers moving at a 2c/kg to 5c/kg higher base, while, likewise, there are a small number of plants that continue to offer a base of €3.60/kg.
Premium
The 10c/kg premium paid for heifers over steers in recent years is largely non-existent in recent weeks, with both categories of cattle moving on the one price. There is a better chance in some cases of negotiating the higher quote on quality heifers that tick all the boxes on specification.
While factories are slow to increase prices for steers and heifers, all are keen for cheaper cow beef and stock previously deemed out-of-spec and surplus to requirements.
O grading cows are trading from €2.85/kg to €3.00/kg, with some lots traded in higher numbers breaking the higher price mark.
Demand from factories specialising in the cow trade and active in the wholesale and food service market remains intense
R grading cows are trading in the main from €3.05/kg to €3.15/kg. Demand from factories specialising in the cow trade and active in the wholesale and food service market remains intense, with much higher prices continuing to be paid in sales where buyers are competing.
Northern buyers are particularly active in this regard, with in the region of 300 to 350 head exported for direct slaughter on a weekly basis.
The bull trade is unchanged, with prices best summarised as €3.20/kg to €3.35/kg for O grades, €3.50/kg to €3.55/kg for R grades and €3.60/kg to €3.65/kg for U grades.
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Beef prices: solid demand but stagnant price
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