Factories have moved to apply some pressure to the trade this week, with some factories shaving 5c to 10c/kg off base quotes.
Many agents have had to pay the same price as last week when pushed, but some weaker sellers have had to take €6.60/kg base price for bullocks this week.
Bullocks retain the biggest demand, with base prices continuing to hover around the €6.70/kg to €6.80/kg mark. Most heifers are being bought at a base price of €6.70/kg to €6.80/kg.
Flat prices as high as €7.10/kg to €7.20/kg are being paid for mixes of underage and over-age cattle, with no issues on weights in most locations.
In-spec Aberdeen Angus bulls and heifers are also in demand, with €7.20/kg flat price still available for mixes of bullocks and heifers.
There continues to be a 20c/kg bonus available on top of base prices for in-spec Aberdeen Angus bullocks and heifers.
Solid bulls
Bulls are also solid this week, with under-24-month U grading bulls coming in at €6.80/kg to €7.00/kg, with R grading bulls being bought at €6.70/kg to €6.80/kg.
Under-16-month bulls are working off a base price of €6.60/kg to €6.70/kg.
U grading cows have firmed up, with €6.50/kg to €6.60/kg now on the table for well-fleshed heavy U grading cows.
O grading cows are working off a quote of €6.10/kg to €6.20/kg this week, with P+3 cows coming in at €6.00/kg to €6.10/kg, depending on weight and flesh cover.
In-spec bullocks and heifers in Britain this week are trading as high as £6.50/kg (€8.08/kg including VAT).
Beef quotes have been consistently rising for the last month in the British market, with stronger than anticipated demand from retailers driving the price increase.
British retailers have put in some big orders for Irish beef for in-store promotions in the run-up to Christmas.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board is reporting a small decline in food service demand over the 12-week period to 6 September, but burger sales increased by 3.3% during that period in the UK market.
