Quoted base prices for steers have increased to 395c/kg

Beef market report

At last week’s premier pedigree bull sale in Bandon Mart, from left, Pat McCarthy, Hereford Society; Sean Dennehy, mart manager; and Paddy Hickey, Ballydehob, owner of Skehanore Festive, the top-priced animal, sold for €2,500. Picture: O’Gorman Photography

Gradual hardening of beef cattle prices continued at factories this week, due to pressure on processors to get sufficient stock.

The intake at plants continues to trail last year by about 4,000 head per week on average for the year to date, which is a significant slice off the throughput, more keenly felt because markets have continued to demand a strong supply of beef.