Little change was reported in the cattle trade last week with some tightening in supplies reported, according to Bord Bia.
However, it says a mixed trade was seen across our key export markets.
In Britain, it says reported cattle prices from the AHDB for GB R4L grade steers averaged 338.3p/kg (equivalent to 467.91c/kg) for the week ended May 9.
Bord Bia says the trade has eased somewhat due to a slowdown in demand.
In France, it says little change has been reported in the trade with on going promotions centred on roasts, fillets and sirloins.
Meanwhile in Italy, the trade continues to be underpinned by a rise in competition and a slowdown in consumption with demand best for cheaper cuts.
Bord Bia says it is hoped that promotions will help the trade over the coming week.
In France, the R3 young bull price was unchanged at €3.66/kg and the O3 cow price was up 3c to €3.25/kg. In Italy, the R3 young bull price was up 10c at €3.94/kg and the O3 cow price was up 10c to €2.83/kg.
Here at home the majority of steers were being purchased last week at a base price of between €4.10/kg and €4.15/kg on the Quality Payment System while heifers were being purchased on average at a base of around €4.20/kg with selected lots achieving higher prices.
These prices exclude bonuses payable on in-spec QA animals. Prices paid for O grade cull cows are generally making between €3.50/kg and €3.70/kg.
The latest cattle supplies at export meat plants for the week ending May 9 stood at around 29,000 head which was 3% behind supplies for the same week last year.
Cumulative supplies for the year to date are down around 3% on supplies for the corresponding period last year at around 578,000 head.
