Beef prices steady as supplies tighten
Processors have been at pains to point out to producers that there has been no change in the quiet climate of the market place for beef, and the requirement for supplies is not strong, but the fine weather has probably been the strongest factor in the development which is returning unchanged or marginally firmed prices to the beef men.
There was a slight drop in supplied to the factories last week, as producers availed to the fine weather to concentrate on harvesting.
It also eased the pressure on some producers in heavy land areas to sell as ground conditions improved and they can avail of some benefit from the improved grass growth of the previous weeks. There were some indication on Monday that supplies were coming out a little freer than last week, but it is a case of wait and see how the week pans out.
Generally 235 cents/kg (84p/lb) is being quoted this week for R grade steers and heifers, although some are on 232 cents/kg (83p/lb) which varies between similar to last week and 3 cents/kg (1p/lb) less.
Slightly higher prices of up to 238 cents/kg (85p/lb) are being negotiated in direct deals with factories for quality cattle and 241 cents/kg (86p/lb) is on offer at Galtee Meats for quality steers over 400 kg.
Galtee are paying the same for these animals whether they are under 30 months or not - a good price for over 30 months cattle presently.
The price for O grade is generally 224 cents/kg (80p/lb) maintaining the wider than previous difference between the grades.
The cow prices have also been stable this week and demand is generally good.
On the markets a marginal improvement in the demand for topsides in Britain is being regarded as a positive sign while the overall trade has continued quiet over the past week.
The markets in France, Italy, Germany and Holland have all remained unchanged and generally not taking any huge volumes.
In the marts the prices continued firm for the quality cattle, particularly the forward animals with a premia, but tended easier for the plainer lots and some of the younger animals, unlikely to make the grade at beef were being the worst hit.
Numbers on offer at the marts were back, probably because of the weather.
On Monday prices were improved by 30-40/head at Blessington Mart.
There was a good steady trade at Dungarvan with pressure on prices for plain cattle and a solid trade with prices similar to the previous week at Bandon.
