The greatest change in the beef trade in recent days has been the increased activity of agents purchasing cattle of behalf of factory feedlots.

The ABP group in particular has been active in marts held since the weekend for Angus and Hereford steers and heifers.

Reported prices average €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg, but over €2/kg has been paid for top-quality lots capable of delivering a good R grading carcase and killing well in excess of 300kg carcase weight.

There is no change in beef quotes, but certain classes of animals are moving a little easier.

Plants are getting more anxious for steers and heifers under 30 months of age, with numbers tightening in some areas. This is not surprising, given the spring-calving nature of both the dairy and suckler herds, with cattle born before May 2017 now exceeding 30 months of age.

There is also noticeably more activity for Angus and Herefords, with these also tightening.

Unfortunately, factories are slow to increase their appetite for cattle over 30 months of age, with these animals continuing to face a long delay from booking to slaughter.

Prices static

The slight increase in demand is not translating into higher prices. Steers continue to trade in the main on a base of €3.45/kg, while heifers range mainly from €3.45/kg to €3.50/kg, with small numbers moving on a base of €3.55/kg.

The cow trade is also unchanged, with prices variable depending on numbers on offer, cow type and the negotiating power of the seller.

P+3 grades range anywhere from €2.50/kg to €2.65/kg, with P2 grades selling from €2.00/kg to €2.40/kg, while under-fleshed P1 and light-carcase cows are selling back to €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg.

Bulls are steady, with U grades selling from €3.50/kg to €3.55/kg, while R grades range from €3.40/kg to €3.45/kg. O grading bulls are trading anywhere from €3.15/kg to €3.30/kg depending on quality.

Bulls less than 16 months and trading on the grid are moving on a base of €4.40/kg to €4.45/kg. However, note that most factories are still operating an upper carcase weight limit for payment on the grid of 400kg, with this rising to 420kg in some cases.