Beef prices are increasing as the year ends, with prime cattle prices at a record high. Despite concerns about finished cattle supplies, kill numbers have remained steady. Steers and heifers are being quoted at €5.50/kg and €5.55/kg on the grid, respectively. Some procurement managers report that half of their total weekly cow kills are light cows and cows with a fat score below 2+. The variation in cow prices is nearly 95c/kg. Bull prices also vary, with under-24-month bulls quoted at €5.70-5.80/kg for U grades.