National average factory prices for steers, cows, heifers for the week 9 December 2013 to the 15 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 407c/kg last week which represents a €0.9 fall when compared in the last three weeks. For cattle in the R=3= grade 402c/kg was received on average by farmers which is unchanged on the previous week. For O=3= steers farmers received on average 386c/kg also unchanged on the previous week.

Cows

Average cow prices took a hit last week. U=3= cows, which were on average making 369c/kg losing some of the previous week’s gains and down €0.21 on the previous week and reversing a major fall previously. R=3= grade cows were also up receiving 331c/kg on average, down €0.12 on the previous week. O=3= were down again last week at 299c/kg showing a €0.7 fall on the previous week.

Heifers

Heifers were a mixed bag last week. Quality U=3= heifers were making 439c/kg last week €0.2 up on the previous week. Farmers killing R=3= heifers were receiving 420c/kg on average which is unchanged on the previous week. O=3= heifers average prices were down last week down €0.4/kg at 402c/kg.