The beef trade has remained relatively stable this week, with very few delays in getting cattle killed in most locations.

Bullocks have remained at a base price of €6.60/kg to €6.70/kg, while heifers are working off a base price of €6.70/kg to €6.80/kg.

Higher quotes are being reserved for those with numbers at the moment, but the sentiment in the trade has improved.

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Flat prices of €7.10/kg are also on the table for in-spec Aberdeen Angus bullocks and heifers.

There are still some issues getting breed bonuses in some factories, with bonuses for both Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cattle harder to come by in some locations in the last few weeks.

Cows

R grading cows are being priced at €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg. U grading cows are being bought at €6.70/kg.

O grading cows are being bought for €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg. P+3 cows are coming in at €6.10/kg to €6.30/kg, with some factories quoting lower for very light cows.

Bulls

R grading bulls are coming in at €6.80/kg to €6.90/kg and U grading bulls are being quoted at €7.00/kg, although bulls are in short supply, with low numbers being killed.

There are a number of operators still able to squeeze €7/kg for mixtures of R and U grading bulls.

O grading bulls are working off an all-in price of €6.50/kg to €6.70/kg, while P grading bulls are being quoted at €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg, depending on weight and flesh cover.

Under-16-month bulls are working off a €6.70/kg base price on the grid.

Monday’s announcement of an atypical case of BSE will have no effect on the trade, with very low volumes entering the markets that have placed the temporary pause on Irish imports.