With supplies of slaughter-fit cattle in tight supply, agents are competing with greater intensity in mart sales.
The latest MartBids price analysis shows bullocks weighing upwards of 600kg selling for an average of €4.43/kg.
A selection of excellent-quality Charolais and Limousin bullocks weighing from 600kg to 680kg and with age on their side, averaged €4.70/kg, with the best-quality types topping €5/kg.
Hereford and Angus bullocks in this weight category are selling, in the main, from €4/kg to €4.30/kg with average-quality and heavier continentals ranging from €4.20/kg to €4.50/kg.
Friesian bullocks range anywhere from €3.60/kg to €4/kg depending on quality. Heifers followed a similar trend.
Short-keep stores
The trade for short-keep stores is also sharp, with the top third of animals selling from €4.80/kg to €5.20/kg plus.
The average price was recorded at €4.30/kg, while the bottom third of prices averaged at €3.90/kg.
The trade for cull cows has also stepped up a notch.
The top third of cull cows sold on average for €3.90/kg with cow heifers and young top-quality cows selling upwards of €4/kg.
The average price recorded was at €3.16/kg with the bottom third at €2.41/kg.
Friesian cows are selling anywhere from just below €2/kg to upwards of €3/kg with a big variation in price depending on quality.
Beef trade
Agents are working hard to try to keep a lid on price but are struggling to get numbers.
Base quotes for bullocks are in the region of €7.50/kg to €7.60/kg but higher prices deals are being negotiated in greater frequency. Likewise, heifers are trading from €7.50/kg to upwards of €7.70/kg.
Flat prices deals are rising to €8/kg and higher for large numbers of traditional breeds.
Agents are anxious to source cattle to start to put beef aside for the Christmas trade.
Reports indicate that the low kill in recent months has left beef stocks much lower right across Europe.
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