Sellers with higher numbers on offer are in the driving seat in negotiations. In many cases, there is a difference of 5c/kg to 10c/kg between prices received from producers marketing small numbers and those trading at the higher end of the market.

Steers are trading mainly on a base of €4.00/kg, but there are a minority of out-of-spec animals still trading on a base of €3.95/kg.

There are growing numbers trading on a base of €4.05/kg as the week progresses, with some of the individual plants driving competition. There are small numbers also trading for 5c/kg higher, the same entry base as negotiations are starting for heifers. Again, sellers with greater selling power are securing a 5c/kg higher base or allowances on transport to secure deals.

Flat-priced deals for Friesian steers under 24 months of age range from €3.75/kg to €3.85/kg for fleshed P+ and O grading stock, with a 5c/kg range either side depending on numbers. Lots mixed with Angus and Hereford steers are also commanding greater negotiating power.

The cow trade also continues to gain momentum. P+3 grading cows are selling from €3.05/kg to €3.20/kg, while O grading cows vary anywhere from €3.20/kg to €3.40/kg. R grades are selling from €3.40/kg to €3.55/kg in general, although specialised finishers are commanding €3.60/kg for mixed batches traded with good U grade cows.

Bull throughput has steadied after a sharp fall-off in recent weeks. R and U grade bulls are trading on average for €3.95/kg and €4.05/kg respectively.

However, some sellers have secured a flat price of €4.05/kg to €4.10/kg for batches including mostly U grades but also small numbers of R grades. Bulls less than 16 months of age and trading on the grid are selling on a base of €4.00/kg excluding the 12c/kg QPS bonus where applicable.

As predicted last week, throughput recovered and increased by 389 head to 30,719. Agents report significantly fewer cattle coming on stream this week, with factories keen to maximise throughput with a day’s less processing.

Agents are also keen to tie down supplies for next Tuesday and not be left sourcing supplies over the bank holiday weekend.

Firm NI trade

Northern plants have increased base quotes by 2p/kg to 4p/kg, with base U-3 quotes of £3.48/kg to £3.50/kg (equivalent of €4.32/kg to €4.35/kg at 85.5p to the euro) now better reflecting the market.

Sellers handling higher numbers continue to secure more, with the average price paid for steers recorded at £3.52/kg (4.37/kg). This leaves R3 grades at an equivalent of €4.30/kg, which also includes bonus payments.

The LMC reports last week’s young bull price at £3.50/kg (€4.35/kg) for R3s, with O grading cows reported at £2.90/kg (€3.60/kg).

The higher prices in the north have closed the differential with British prices, which have stemmed their downward curve and steadied. R4L steers and heifers range from £3.55/kg to £3.58/kg (€4.41/kg to €4.45/kg), with top prices edging back up towards £3.60/kg.

Article follow-up

Following last week’s feature on niche breeds, we have been told by the Shorthorn marketing group that ABP Clones, as well as Nenagh, kill Shorthorns for the scheme. It seems that growth in demand for Angus cattle continues to develop and grow, with Foyle, for example, looking to increase from 160 to 250 cattle per week.

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