The cattle trade continues to slowly edge upwards on the back of robust demand with tightening in supplies reported, according to Bord Bia.
It also says little change has been reported across our key export markets.
IFA cattle price update
- Steer base €4.15/kg-€4.20/kg.
- Heifers €4.30/kg.
- Bulls €3.90/kg- €4.10/kg- €4.25/kg.
- Cows €3.40/kg-€4.00/kg.
Bord Bia says last week there was a rise in cattle prices across some categories.
The majority of steers were being purchased at a base price of around €4.15/kg on the Quality Payment System while heifers were being purchased on average at a base of €4.25/kg with selected lots achieving higher prices.
These prices exclude bonuses payable on in-spec QA animals. Prices paid for O grade cull cows are generally making between €3.45/kg to €3.60/kg.
Cumulative supplies for the year to date are down around 5,000 head on supplies for the corresponding period last year at around 401,000 head.
In Britain, Bord Bia says reported cattle prices from the AHDB have firmed with GB R4L grade steers averaging at Stg 359.5 p/kg (equivalent to 490.17 c/kg) for the week ended March 28.
Bord Bia says the market has eased with supplies adequate to meet demand. Demand for forequarter and manufacturing beef remains weak, however trade for steak cuts is steady albeit slow.
In France, it says the market remains steady with promotions this week centred on rumps, sirloins and diced beef while in Italy, little change was reported in the market.