Factory agents have been active in sourcing cattle in recent days, with plants keen to repeat the high throughput levels of recent weeks.

However, buyers are reluctant to raise prices, with steers continuing to trade on a mixed base of €3.70/kg to €3.75/kg, with heifers trading on a base of €3.80/kg to €3.85/kg.

Producers with higher numbers and choice lots are having more success in securing the higher quotes.

Cows

Strong demand is also reflected in agents increasing activity for cows, with a noticeable spike in demand reported in mart sales.

P+3 grading cows remain at a price range of €2.80/kg to €3.05/kg, with fleshed O grading cows from €3.00/kg to €3.20/kg.

R grades are moving, in general, anywhere from €3.20/kg to €3.35/kg, depending on numbers concerned and the purchasing plant.

U grades range from €3.35/kg to €3.50/kg, with specialist finishers capable of securing 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher in plants specialising in the heavy cow trade.

Young bulls

The young bull trade is steady. Prices paid for R grading bulls range on average from €3.70/kg to €3.75/kg, with U grades from €3.80/kg to €3.85/kg, while O grades average €3.55/kg to €3.65/kg.

Again, specialist finishers are capable of securing 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher.

Bulls less than 16 months and priced on the grid range from a base of €3.70/kg to €3.75/kg.

Fat cover and weight continue to be the two main factors responsible for bulls not being paid on the grid.

Northern trade

The number of cattle exported north for direct slaughter has recorded a slight recovery in recent weeks, with volumes moving north ranging from 300 to 400 head in the last five weeks.

Last week’s export volume was recorded at 317 head, but still remains a long way short of recent years.

Northern Irish U-3 base quotes continue to range from £3.52/kg to £3.56/kg (€4.17/kg to €4.22/kg incl VAT).

Regular sellers and those with higher numbers on hand continue to secure returns into the low £3.60s.