There is more life in the beef trade this week. Finishers who had faced challenges in getting numbers of cattle moved are now finding it easier to trade with agents who are open to handling higher numbers than in previous weeks.

Agents are also keener not to miss out on sales, particularly where there is the prospect of a steady supply stream in the coming weeks.

The more positive feel to the trade is being underpinned by factories starting to fill contracts for the busy Christmas trade, combined with reports indicating numbers look set to tighten.

Bullocks continue to trade in the main from a base price of €4.50/kg to €4.55/kg, with heifers retaining a 10c/kg differential and trading from a base of €4.60/kg to €4.65/kg.

There are exceptions to this price range, with Donegal-based Foyle Meats continuing to lead the market with its quote of €4.65/kg for bullocks and €4.70/kg for heifers.

These quotes exclude breed bonuses ranging from 10c/kg to 20c/kg for in-spec Hereford and Angus cattle.

The base quotes also exclude the 20c/kg QPS in-spec bonus for cattle aged less than 30 months and killing O= or above on conformation and 2+ to 4= on fat cover, the 12c/kg bonus for under-30-month cattle meeting QPS criteria and killing O- / 4+ and the 8c/kg QPS bonus for animals aged over 30 months and killing O= or better on conformation and from 2+ to 4= on fat cover.

Pressure on cows

An increase in cow numbers has put some downward pressure on price, but at the same time, factories are happy to maintain a high level of throughput.

This is reflected in the cow kill only reducing by 834 head to 8,207 during last week’s four-day kill.

In contrast, the throughput of bullocks reduced by 2,972 head to 13,996, while heifer throughput fell by 1,838 head to 9,397. The total kill of 33,660 head was 6,315 head lower.

If these cows were not in the system, the prime kill could potentially be lower.

The general quotes for R grading cows is from €4.30/kg to €4.40/kg, with O grades from €4.00/kg to €4.20/kg.

The mart trade remains a good alternative outlet for good-quality, young, fleshed cows, with mart managers reporting a resurgence in activity from wholesale agents in Northern Ireland.

P+3 grading cows are being quoted €3.80/kg to €3.90/kg on average, with some sellers handling large numbers securing more when traded in mixed loads. Sellers should note possible deductions of upwards of €1/kg for light carcase and poorly covered cows.

Young bulls

There is no change to the young bull trade. R and U grading bulls are averaging around €4.50/kg to €4.60/kg respectively.

Regular sellers are securing higher and, likewise, small-scale producers are, in cases, being offered lower quotes at the outset of negotiations.

Lesser-quality O and P grading bulls are trading from €4.20/kg to €4.40/kg, with adequate flesh cover and carcase weights north of 270kg to 280kg key to prices negotiated.

Under-16-month bulls are typically selling within a base of €4.50/kg to €4.60/kg.

Northern Ireland

Finishers in Norther Ireland are witnessing a similar trading environment.

Factories appear to have enough cattle for this week, but can see supplies tightening in the coming weeks.

Quotes for U-3 grading animals are steady on £4.28/kg (€5.19/kg inc VAT), but heifers are making anywhere up to £4.46/kg (€5.40/kg) where a steady flow of animals can be offered and, again, there is the potential to tie into future supplies.

Steers are also steady on £4.40/kg (€5.33/kg), but cows have come under some pressure in places, with higher numbers giving factories more power in negotiations.