Beef processors continue to apply pressure to the beef trade this week, with more processors dropping to a base quote of €6.50/kg for bullocks and €6.60/kg for heifers.

There are some farmers who are still able to get a base quote of €6.60/kg for both bullocks and heifers.

Aberdeen Angus bullocks and heifers are attracting a 20c/kg premium, with in-spec Hereford cattle working off a 10c/kg bonus in most locations.

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There are some factory agents continuing to talk about problems down the line for the breed bonuses in some factories, but for now most are paying out.

Forward store cattle in marts have also tracked back a little in recent days, with agents a little less active around rings. Lighter longer-keep cattle, on the other hand, remain a solid trade in marts.

Cows

R grading cows are being priced at €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg. U grading cows are generally now being bought at €6.50/kg, with higher prices going to regular cow sellers and specialist feeders.

O grading cows are being bought for €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg. P+3 cows are coming in at €5.90/kg, with some factories quoting lower for very light cows.

Bulls

R grading bulls are coming in at €6.70/kg and U grading bulls are being quoted at €6.80/kg, although bulls are in short supply, with low numbers being killed.

There are a number of operators still able to get €6.80/kg for mixtures of R and U grading bulls.

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

Over-age bulls are generally working off prices of €6.60/kg to €6.70/kg, depending on grades and flesh cover. Under-16-month bulls are working off a €6.50/kg to €6.60/kg base price on the grid.