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Beef prices continue to face downward price pressure from factory buyers.
The result is variable with some sellers continuing to secure a base of €3.85/kg for steers and €3.95/kg for heifers while others have had to settle for a 5c/kg lower base.
Many of the plants which are offering the lower base are in cases paying a higher quote to customers with large numbers on hand or for choice lots but are refusing to budge on price if offered cattle from new customers or stock they deem out-of-spec.
Some plants are more active for Angus and Hereford stock. Plants not affiliated to breed specific producer groups are in cases offering a 10c/kg to 15c/kg bonus to try and compete for cattle trading through schemes.
Flat priced deals range in the main from €3.85/kg to €3.95/kg for Angus heifers. Friesian steers are selling flat from €3.75/kg to €3.85/kg for quality assured O=\+ grading stock.
Cows firmer
Cows have strengthened with more demand in the market. Numbers seem to have tightened slightly and with an increase in demand prices have increased by 5c/kg to 10c/kg in some plants.
The greatest negotiating power remains with specialist cow producers or large scale finishers offering 30 to 50 cows plus. As such P+3 and O grading cows are trading anywhere from €2.80/kg at the bottom of the market to €3.05/kg to €3.10/kg, with a few reports suggesting 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher has been paid today.
Bulls steady
Bulls have held steadier on average than steers and heifers which is not surprising given that a high percentage of stock are being traded from specialist finishers, many of whom have supply arrangements. R and U grading Bulls are trading in general from €3.80/kg to €3.90/kg with lighter bulls in some cases attracting greater interest. O grading Bulls are trading from €3.65/kg for plainer quality lots to €3.75/kg.
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