The beef trade continues to gain upward momentum, but this is taking place against a background of factories working hard to keep a lid on prices paid.

Base quotes typically range from €3.55/kg to €3.60/kg, but sellers trading at the top of the market continue to command 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher for cattle traded in large lots or where the initial deal has the chance of securing a supply base for the next two to three weeks.

Scarce on the ground

Flat-priced deals for Angus heifers and steers range from €3.80/kg to €3.90/kg, with Angus cattle reported as being scarce on the ground at present.

With factories keen to keep prices in check, there is more flexibility around carcase weights and age limits. There are very few plants enforcing price penalties at 400kg to 420kg carcase weights, as was the case just a few weeks ago.

Most plants are paying to 430kg to 440kg without enforcing penalties, while some sellers are negotiating deals without cuts up to 470kg to 480kg carcase weight.

Cow trade

The cow trade has kicked on again, with prices strengthening by 5c/kg to 10c/kg in cases. There is a wider differential between prices negotiated by sellers handling small numbers and finishers or agents specialising in cows.

P+3 grading cows range anywhere from €2.75/kg to €2.90/kg, with deals completed at €3.00/kg for lots comprising large numbers of better-quality P grade cows mixed in with some O grading cows.

O grades are selling in the main from €2.90/kg to €3.10/kg, while R grades are trading in general from €3.20/kg to €3.30/kg, with young and top-quality R and U grading cows rising to €3.40/kg to €3.50/kg.

Young bulls

The young bull trade is edging upwards slowly, but, again, there is a big spread in prices reported.

Bulls less than 16 months and trading on the grid are selling from a base of €3.55/kg to €3.60/kg.

Some plants are still trying to enforce a 400kg carcase weight limit for bulls to be paid on the grid along with payment of the 12c/kg quality payment scheme bonus, while others are now giving a higher allowance of 420kg to 430kg.

Bulls aged over 16 months but under 24 months are quoted at prices of €3.55/kg to €3.60/kg for R grades and €3.60/kg to €3.70/kg for U grading bulls at the top of the market.