Demand for steers and heifers is robust, with factories working hard to increase throughput. Reports suggest there are more heifers coming on to the market as supplies of grass-finished stock start to appear. Factories are more than happy to see these come on stream.

There is a wide differential in prices paid between plants. The general base price on offer for steers and heifers ranges from €3.60/kg to €3.65/kg.

However, there are a small number of plants trying to open negotiations at a base of €3.55/kg, while, at the opposite end of the market, there are more sellers with strong negotiating power pushing returns to a base of €3.70/kg.

Angus in demand

Angus cattle are particularly in demand. The standard bonus on offer is 10c/kg to 15c/kg, while plants purchasing flat are offering €3.85/kg to €3.90/kg on average, with select deals reported 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher.

The activity in the trade for steers and heifers is at odds with the cow trade. Plants are trying to reduce quotes, with many starting the week with a 10c/kg to 15c/kg lower quote.

Others are standing on last week’s prices for cows purchased on Monday, but are warning of similar cuts as the week progresses.

Cow prices

Cow numbers are following an upward seasonal trend and factories are trying to seize the opportunity to pull prices.

Quotes for O grading cows range on average from €2.85/kg to €3.00/kg, while R grading cows are quoted from €3.00/kg at the bottom of the market and typically falling within a price range of €3.10/kg to €3.20/kg.

Demand for young and fleshed R+ and U grading cows remains solid in the mart and this is a good alternative option that is worth considering for farmers with a low number of cows and finding it hard to negotiate.