Last week’s kill increasing by over 3,000 head to reach 32,853 has afforded factories some breathing space after three weeks of upward price movement.

Steers are trading in general at a base of €3.90/kg to €3.95/kg with finishers trading at the top of the market finding it more difficult to secure a base of €4/kg.

Heifers are moving on a base of €4/kg to €4.05/kg on average, with a small number of deals reported at 5c/kg higher.

Many agents point to supplies remaining firm for this week, but numbers coming on stream in the coming weeks will start to become dependent on cattle coming fit off grass.