There has been a big shift in beef quotes this week, with tighter supplies really starting to bite processors in terms of filling up their weekly requirements.

Smaller finishers continue to move cattle to marts, where a lot of the larger processors are locking horns in terms of trying to buy cattle.

Smaller processors can’t compete with the larger ones in marts, so are opting to increase quotes to try to stay ahead of the competition and sway cattle their way.

A big gap has also opened up between processors, with a gap of as high as 40c/kg in some cases.

The general run of quotes is €7.40/kg to €7.50/kg base price for bullocks, with heifers moving at €7.50/kg to €7.70/kg base price.

A lot more is going though, with €8/kg base price on offer from at least one of the independent factories.

Flat prices of as high as €8/kg are also on the table again for in-spec Aberdeen Angus heifers.

Factory quotes have somewhat caught up with the mart trade this week, but for farmers with small numbers and low bargaining power, the mart is still a very good option for selling finished cattle.

Cows

The cow trade remains very steady, with factory agents active for heavy, well-covered cows.

R grading cows are generally trading at €7.10/kg to €7.30/kg, while O grading cows are coming in around €6.90/kg to €7.00/kg.

Up to €7.50/kg has been paid for U grading cows this week. There is a big range in quotes for P grading cows, with those with numbers able to bargain more. Up to €6.80/kg to €6.90/kg is being paid where cows are well finished.

Bulls

Bulls are in demand, with up to €7.70/kg now available at the top end for U grading bulls, working back to €7.40/kg to €7.50/kg for O grading bulls.

Higher quotes of €7.80/kg have been paid to feeders dealing with bigger numbers.