The closure of the large burger chains this week reduces the market outlet for forequarter beef from older cattle particularly cows, though retail trade remains strong.

This week’s steer and heifer quotes are in the region of €3.60/kg to €3.65/kg for cattle considered in spec, with cuts of 5c/kg to 10c/kg for others.

Demand for cows is less but has not disappeared with prices back 10c/kg to 15c/kg.

Forecasts are for numbers of factory cattle to tighten between late March and the end of June.

IFA livestock chair Brendan Golden said: “With orderly marketing, cattle supplies are expected to tighten over the next number of weeks and this should help steady the trade.”