Quotes for finished cattle remain steady, with factory agents actively looking for finished cattle supplies.

Bullocks are working off a base price of €6.40/kg, while heifers are being sold at a €6.50/kg base price. Farmers with numbers have been able to squeeze an extra 5-10c/kg on bigger loads. The cow trade also remains firm, with up to €6.50/kg being paid for well-fleshed R-grading cows this week. There has been an increase in forward store buying activity over the past seven to 10 days, with big feeders filling sheds for October and November finishing. There has also been increased NI buyer activity at a few big sales in the west over the last week. Meat processors have already begun to plan for the Christmas lift in demand, with supplies expected to remain tight.