Firm demand remains for slaughter-fit cattle, but there is no real change to last week’s prices. Steers are selling in general on a base of €3.90/kg, with heifers on a base of €4.00/kg. Regular sellers handling significant numbers and possessing a bit more selling power are securing an extra 5c/kg, with some of the independent plants in particular working harder to source the required numbers.

Similar trend for cows

There is also a similar trend for cows, with plants active in the cow trade prepared to give a bit extra to secure sales involving higher numbers. This is leaving a very wide differential in prices paid. P+3 grading cows are selling in general for €2.95/kg to €3.10/kg, but prices have been paid rising to €3.20/kg. Likewise, O grades are trading on average from €3.15/kg to €3.30/kg, but 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher has been secured. R grades have risen 5c/kg, ranging from €3.40/kg to €3.50/kg, with reports of up to €3.60/kg paid for heavy fleshed cows.

The bull trade is steady, with throughput stabilising after a few weeks of significant reductions. R and U grades are moving mainly at €3.85/kg and €3.95/kg. Some plants continue to deduct 5c/kg to 10c/kg for what they deem heavy carcases (430kg to 450kg), while others are using the extra weight allowance as a bargaining tool. Very small numbers of Friesian bulls are trading from €3.60/kg to €3.70/kg, with good O+ and R- lots selling in higher numbers for 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher.

Tighter NI supplies

Cattle supplies are also becoming tighter in the north and this can be said of slaughter-fit cattle and forward stores. This is witnessing growing northern buyer interest in mart sales in the border regions, with heifers suitable for the wholesale or butcher trade particularly in demand. Base quotes for U-3 steers and heifers remain unchanged at £3.38/kg to £3.46/kg or the equivalent of €4.17/kg to €4.24/kg (at 86p to the euro and 5.4% VAT), with demand best in many plants for good-quality heifers.

Read more

Five tips for grazing beef animals this week