Intake at the factories dropped around 1,000 head last week — bullocks down around 600 head — and further tightening was evident around the country yesterday with the factories coming under more pressure to get stock.

“Farmers are not sure what they want — what they were holding out for last week is not enough to buy stock this week” said one buyer who admitted that the going was getting tougher.

Factories in the south and the east of the country yesterday quoted similar prices to last week, but were paying over for stock. Most producers were holding out for at least 322c/kg (115p/lb) for R grade bullocks and 311c/kg (111p/lb) for O grade and some reported a further 3c/kg (1p/lb) being paid for quality lots.

In the midlands producers were being offered 325c/kg (116p/lb) for R’s and 316c/kg (113p/lb) for O’s. Quality R grade heifers are reported to be making up to 336c/kg (120p/lb) in the midlands and slightly more in the north west.

Source: Irish Examiner