The mercury continues to rise around the country this week and the beef trade is also continuing its hot streak, with more money going again for finished animals.

Heifers are working off a base price of €6.60/kg to €6.70/kg, with bullocks generally working off quotes of €6.50/kg to €6.60/kg.

Once again, this week, it’s a case of quotes being one thing and paid prices a whole different story.

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Finishers with bigger numbers are in a particularly strong position, as agents continue to find it hard to source sufficient numbers for their requirements.

There are some regular finishers getting north of €7.30/kg for in-spec Aberdeen Angus bullocks and heifers.

Factory-aligned finishers continue to light up the mart trade, with heavy cull cows seeing strong demand from NI factory agents and feeders.

Well-fleshed heavy dry cows continue to hit €4/kg and over in marts around the country, with big competition for heavy cows around the ring.

Cows

R grading cows are being priced around €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg, with more going to those with numbers.

U grading cows are now being bought at €6.50/kg to €6.70/kg, with higher prices going to regular cow sellers and specialist feeders.

O grading cows are being bought for around €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg. P+3 cows are coming in at €6.10/kg to €6.20/kg.

Some of the specialist cow producers dealing in bigger numbers have been able to squeeze a €6.40/kg flat price for mixes of O and P grading dairy cows 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.