Factory steer and heifer prices remain unchanged at a base of €3.75/kg and €3.85/kg respectively.

Prices are running 20c/kg behind comparable levels in 2018, or about €70/hd on a 350kg carcase.

Bulls are facing a much greater price fall, with prices running 30c/kg to 35c/kg lower or €105 to €120 on the same 350kg carcase.

Cow prices, meanwhile, have recorded a fall of 40c/kg to 60c/kg in the 12-month period, leaving a 300kg carcase selling for €120 to €180 less.