Beef prices firm by up to 15c/kg as factories chase autumn stock

Suppliers are reporting that the higher prices being paid this week are coming with a warning of caution on speculation that the prices "are about to take off" for the end of year trade.

The beef prices at the factories have hardened this week, driven by demand at the processing plants for extra stock to satisfy market demand, which is very positive for finishers into the Autumn trade.

Some of the factories have lifted their prices for both steers and heifers by up to 15c/kg, but more generally the base prices on offer have improved by 10c/kg for both categories.

Most of the finishers supplying steers this week are on a base of 650c/kg with some reports of 655c/kg being paid to 'hard sellers'.

Heifers have moved to a general base of 660c/kg with 655c/kg being paid at some plants.

The higher end of the price range is more generally available to those with the better quality animals on offer and suppliers of larger numbers of stock.

Suppliers are reporting that the higher prices being paid this week are coming with a warning of caution on speculation that the prices "are about to take off" for the end of year trade.

"There is no evidence in the beef markets at this time to support that view, but there is hope that trade will hold steady" according to one insider.

He did warn that there is a lot of concern over forward store prices at the live sales hitting the equivalent of €7/kg dead weight over the past week, describing it as "a danger zone" for the finishers.

"Processors learned an expensive lesson in 2025 when the runaway spiraling of the prices got out of their control and they haven't forgot the consequences of that on their finances and will not allow themselves to be crushed again" he added.

Reminders of the losses that some Spring 2026 finishers experience "because they over paid for stores last Autumn" are also being cited as a warning that "speculation" in beef finishing is a risky business, There is strong demand for cows at the factories where R grade are generally making 640c/kg and little more at processors who specialise in supplying the catering and manufacturing sectors of the market.

The R grade young bulls are making up to 660c/kg with the throughput low at this time of the year.

The supply last week increased slightly to 32,562 head, which was around 3,000 head higher than for the same week last year.

The intake included 14,807 steers, 9,291 heifers, 6,780 cows, and 1,576 young bulls.

The weekly supply to the factories continues to exceed 2025 level, wth the deficit of over 80,000 head, compared to 2025, continuing to slip. It is now down to 34,600 and continuing to fall week on week.