There is no change in the beef trade, with steers trading on a base of €4.00/kg,with small numbers trading at a higher base of €4.05/kg. Heifers are split on a base of €4.10/kg to €4.15kg, with the higher price easier to negotiate than with steers.

Agents have dug in hard in recent days, supported by producers emptying sheds and providing a temporary boost to throughout. It continues to look like supplies may satisfy demand this week, but will tighten significantly at some stage next week.

Vibrant cow trade

The cow trade is firm and, if anything, is a little stronger. This is evident in marts, with agents and specialised finishers competing much stronger.

The differential in prices received that has developed between sellers handling small numbers and those with greater negotiating power continues to widen.

P+3 grading cows are trading anywhere from €3.20/kg to €3.30/kg, with some competing at the top of the market securing a flat price of €3.40/kg for P grades and O grades. O grading cows are selling in general from €3.35/kg to €3.45/kg, with top-quality R grades to €3.60kg, while U grades are securing a 10c/kg premium in cow-specialist plants.

Bulls are steady, with R grades selling from €3.95/kg to €4.00/kg, while U grades are selling from €4.00kg to €4.10/kg, with some specialist producers reported to be securing 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher.

Read more

Buyers at Macroom pay 20c/kg more for cattle at grass