National Average Factory Prices for steers, cows, heifers for the week 02 December 2013 to the 08 December, as reported by the Department of Agriculture this afternoon.

Steers

Factory prices received by farmers for steers were more or less unchanged last week. Of note though was a fall in the national average prices paid for U=3= cattle which was 409c/kg last week which represents a €0.6 fall when compared previous week. For cattle in the R=3= grade 403c/kg was received on average by farmers which is unchanged on the previous week. For O=3= steers farmers received on average 38c/kg also unchanged on the previous week.

Cows

Average cow prices were up nationally last week. U=3= cows, which were on average making 390c/kg up a significant €0.38 on the previous week and reversing a major fall previously. R=3= grade cows were also up receiving 343c/kg on average, up €0.1 on the previous week. O=3= were down again last week at 306c/kg showing a €0.6 fall on the previous week.

Heifers

Heifers were a mixed bag last week. Quality U=3= heifers were making 437c/kg last week €0.2 up on the previous week. However, farmers killing R=3= heifers were receiving 420c/kg on average which is up €0.2/kg on the previous week. O=3= heifers average prices also remained firm last week at up €0.3/kg at 406c/kg.