There has been some increase in demand for cattle in recent days with supplies beginning to tighten, according to Bord Bia.
It says however, that the trade was mixed across our key export markets.
In terms of prices Bord Bia says most categories have shown some increases.
It says the majority of steers were purchased at a base price of between €3.70 and €3.75/kg on the Quality Payment System. Heifers were being purchased on average between €3.75 and €3.80/kg. These prices exclude the €0.12/kg bonus which is payable on in-spec QA animals. Prices paid for O grade cull cows are generally making between €3.05 to €3.20/kg.
Cattle supplies at export meat plants for the week ending November 1 stood at around 26,000 head, which was down 14% on the figure for the equivalent week in 2013. Cumulative supplies for the year to-date are 11% or 132,000 head above the figures for the corresponding period last year currently standing at 1.39 million head.
Bord Bia says in Britain, reported cattle prices from the AHDB have risen with GB R4L grade steers averaging at Stg 362.0 pence/kg dw (equivalent to 462.1 cent/kg dw) for the week ended 1st November. Trade has shown little change with demand reported as slow due to lack of seasonal pick-up.
In France the market was reported as remaining steady with ongoing promotions for topsides and striploins. In Italy, little change has been reported in the market. Bord Bia says in France the R3 young bull price was €3.60/kg and the O3 cow price was €3.05/kg.