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There has been a slight easing in beef prices this week with more cattle available out of sheds.
However, with an extremely strong live ring, factory agents have been unable to undermine the trade to any real extent.
There is also the danger that if quotes are cut too much, it will just flush more cattle out, leaving processors short in June.
Farmers offloading cattle this week indicate that 388p/kg to 392p/kg is still widely available, although negotiating above this level has become more difficult without a regular kill arrangement in place.
Base factory quotes range from 364p to 378p/kg, with the lower quotes in place to keep prices in check for plainer animals destined for manufacturing beef, as well as cattle processed under premium breed schemes.
With a further easing in restrictions on indoor hospitality venues next week, indications are that processors are focusing primarily on manufacturing beef and rebalancing sales of steak cuts as retail sales slow.
Live ring
In the marts, prices for slaughter-fit, U and R grading steers and heifers are running well ahead of those on offer at local factories.
Prices are holding around 220p to 240p/kg. At the top end of the market, 260p/kg has been paid for stand out animals.
At a kill-out of 57%, these prices convert to a factory equivalent of 385p to 421p/kg.
Cull cows through the rings are making 190p to 230p/kg for well-fleshed suckler types under 60 months of age. Feeding cows are making upwards from 140p/kg, with Friesians at 110p/kg - 140p/kg for finished animals.
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