Robust demand for manufacturing beef is currently underpinning the beef trade, helping to stabilise factory prices on prime cattle.

Cull cows have benefited most, with base quotes rising by 10 to 20p/kg over the past week to 280p to 290p/kg depending on conformation.

Farmers with good-quality beef cows are managing to secure prices of 295p to 310p/kg, with younger cows under 60 months of age selling at the upper end of the price range.

While several farmers report delays in getting prime cattle booked for slaughter, there are few such issues with cows, as competition from the live trade offers farmers a good alternative outlet for good-quality animals.