The beef trade remains unchanged. While there are signs supplies are slowly starting to tighten, the Easter break is providing factories with an opportunity to source cattle at the same price. Steers are trading in general at a base of €3.95/kg to €4.00/kg while heifers are moving from €4.05/kg to €4.10/kg. There are small numbers of producers with greater negotiating power securing 2c/kg to 5c/kg higher or allowances on transport.

Demand for cows remains a highlight of the trade with agents anxious to tie into deals involving high numbers. This is leading to a wide differential between the top and bottom prices paid. P+3 grading cows are selling on average from €3.30/kg to €3.40/kg with O grades from €3.40/kg to €3.50/kg. Top prices paid to regular suppliers are 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher. R-grading lots are trading from €3.55/kg to €3.65/kg with U grades rising to €3.70/kg to €3.80/kg.

The bull kill is in the midst of a seasonal decline with demand stronger as a result. Factories are holding tough, however, and are resisting letting prices for U-grading bulls rise above €4.10/kg. R-grading lots are selling from €3.95/kg to €4/kg with scope to negotiate higher where bulls are traded as part of mixed lots comprising mainly U-grading bulls. O grades continue in a stronger trend with fleshed bulls grading O=/+ on conformation selling from €3.80/kg to €3.90/kg.

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In pictures: firm demand results in a steady trade at Balla Mart