Processors continue to maintain a firm grip on price movement overall and are resisting producer demands that higher returns are justified by current beef market conditions. These ‘one-off extras’ on base price or transport contributions are always liable to be “here today and gone tomorrow”, depending on circumstances, and do not impact overall base prices. Base prices for steers continue to hold steady at 700c/kg. Processors appear to be showing increased interest in sourcing stronger numbers of cows and young bulls, where prices have held up relatively better. R-grade cows are making up to 680–685c/kg, narrowing the price gap with comparable heifers, while R-grade young bulls are trading at up to 725c/kg.

Source: Irish Examiner February 04, 2026 02:49 UTC