While drought conditions are hitting some parts of the country, it doesn’t appear to be having any effect on factory appetite for in-spec cattle, with prices holding at €3.55/kg to €3.60/kg for in-spec steers and heifers this week.

While €3.65/kg is being paid to secure larger numbers, but €3.55/kg to €3.60/kg is the general quote for heifers and steers across the board. Angus cattle remain out in front in terms of demand, with a number of factories very anxious to secure suitable stock to fill retail orders.

Flat-priced deals of €3.90/kg to €4.00/kg were reported last week for suitable Angus cattle.

Good weather

Recent good weather has boosted retail demand for barbecue products, with consumers cooking at home as opposed to eating out as restaurants are closed.

This has meant factories have been especially hungry for in-spec cattle that meet retail specifications. Farmers appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach with no major rush to sell cattle.

Further north and into the west, it’s been a really good grass year and there is no pressure to sell cattle. Moving further south it’s a different story and extra cows coming on stream have stalled any more increases on cows.

Cow quotes

Quotes appear to have steadied, with €2.70/kg being the general quote for P+3 cows, with €2.80/kg to €2.85/kg being paid for O grade cows. Good-quality R and U grade cows are still in good demand, with prices in excess of €3.10/kg being paid for top-of-the-range stock.

Bull quotes remain unchanged, with €3.50/kg being paid for R grade bulls and €3.60/kg being paid for U grade bulls.

Bulls under 16 months are trading on the grid at €3.55/kg to €3.60/kg, with more appetite further south for bulls. Where the higher price is being paid, weight restrictions are being implemented.