The continuing rise of cattle prices in the UK means Irish factories can increase prices much faster than is currently the case, IFA livestock chair Brendan Golden has said.

UK R3 prices are up 2p/kg to £3.40/kg (€4.22/kg incl VAT) for the week ended 8 February.

Golden said factory procurement managers and agents were rapidly chasing cattle on feed and trying to negotiate deals to pin down tighter supplies in the weeks ahead.

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Base price offers of up to 30c/kg above current levels are being discussed, he said.

Marts

Golden also pointed to the mart trade, where very strong prices were being paid for all animals close to finish.

Some factory procurement managers were actively buying in marts, paying prices well above what they are prepared to offer on farm, he said.

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