Finished cattle numbers continue to tighten around the country, keeping supply in farmers' favour when it comes to beef prices again this week.
Base prices for bullocks are working off €6.40/kg this week, with heifers being sold at €6.50/kg.
Those with numbers are in a strong selling position, with agents actively seeking out stock this week.
There is a thought within the industry that numbers will continue to tighten over the next few weeks, with October and the beginning of November being a particular pinch point for supplies.
Changes to the Irish Angus Producer Group bonus scheme came into effect on 7 September. These include participation in AgNav and that the animals being processed have a recorded sire.
It’s understood that there will be a soft introduction to the new terms for a number of weeks. The maximum bonus if all conditions are met will be 20c/kg.
Bulls
Under-24-month U grading bulls are coming in at €6.50/kg to €6.60/kg this week, with R grading bulls being bought at €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg.
Under-16-month bulls are working off a base price of €6.30/kg to €6.40/kg, but numbers are very small.
Cows
The cow trade is also firm, with €6.40/kg now available for well-fleshed R grading cows.
Up to €6.50/kg was paid for U grading cows this week, with specialist cow finishers on higher quotes.
The mart continues to be the place of choice for many smaller suckler farmers to offload cows, with factory agents going above what is available in factories when buying cows in marts.
O grading cows are working off a quote of €6.20/kg this week, with P+3 cows coming in at €5.90/kg to €6/kg, depending on weight and flesh cover.
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