Beef prices strengthened a further 5c/kg at the end of last week, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) said.

A base price of €4.00/kg is more freely available for heifers and €3.95/kg for steers, with higher prices available for larger lots, the IFA National Livestock Committee chairman Brendan Golden said.

Continuing, the chairman said the re-opening of the food service sector in the UK next week will increase demand for beef and is a key market outlet for Irish beef.

Golden said the main market driver currently is the UK market, as the EU young bull price is lagging 9c/kg behind our steer price, adding:

The IFA chairman said demand for cull cows is strong, with P grades starting at €3.20/kg and moving upwards depending on numbers.

Good quality beef bred cows are making up to €3.70/kg in some factories, he noted.

Young bulls are making €3.90 to €4.00/kg for R/U grades.

Concluding on beef prices, Golden said factory agents are competing strongly in marts for finished cattle, and prices are easily comparing to what factories are offering some farmers.