The beef trade remains relatively unchanged this week, with quotes at a similar level at where they were last week.

Bullocks are generally working of a base quote of €6.60/kg this week, with heifers generally being quoted at €6.70/kg.

Some of the larger operators are continuing to work off base prices 10c to 15c/kg above quotes being paid to some of the smaller finishers marketing cattle at the moment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flat prices are still very common, with €7.20/kg on the table for anybody with in-spec bullocks or heifers.

Continental bulls are also being bought flat by some factories, with €6.80/kg to €7/kg on the table in some locations for bulls.

Numbers are still very tight, with factory agents very active in marts around the country hoovering up cattle with flesh.

Cows

Demand for cows has eased a little this week, especially for Friesian-type cows.

R grading cows are being priced around €6.30/kg to €6.40/kg, with more going to those with numbers.

U grading cows are now being bought at €6.50/kg to €6.60/kg, with higher prices going to regular cow sellers and specialist feeders.

O grading cows are being bought for around €6.10/kg to €6.20/kg. P+3 cows are coming in at €6.00/kg to €6.10/kg.

Some of the specialist cow producers dealing in bigger numbers have been able to squeeze more out of the market this week.

Bulls

R grading bulls are coming in at €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg, with U grading bulls being quoted at €6.60/kg to €6.70/kg, depending on numbers and type.

O grading bulls are working off an all-in price of €6.30/kg to €6.40/kg, while P grading bulls are being quoted at €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg, depending on weight and flesh cover.

Over-age bulls are generally working off a price of €6.30/kg to €6.40/kg, depending on grades and flesh cover. Under-16-month bulls are working off a €6.40/kg base price on the grid.