National average factory prices for steers, cows, heifers for the week 13 January 2013 to the 19 January 2014, as reported by the Department of Agriculture this afternoon.

Steers

Factory prices received by farmers for steers were down last week. Of note though was a fall in the national average prices paid for U=3= cattle which was 400c/kg last week which represents a €0.6 fall when compared to the previous week and is well back on the 418c/kg achieved before Christmas. For cattle in the R=3= grade 404c/kg was received on average by farmers which was unchanged on the previous week. For O=3= steers farmers received on average 385c/kg also which was down €0.3 on the previous week.

Cows

Average cow prices didn’t change much last week but are still at a low level. U=3= cows were the main movers on average making 360c/kg up €0.6 on previous week. R=3= grade cows were also up receiving 339c/kg on average, up €0.3 on the previous week. O=3= were also unchanged last week at 307c/kg showing.

Heifers

Heifers prices were more or less down across all grade classes last week. Quality U=3= heifers were making 439c/kg last week €0.4 down on the previous week. Farmers killing R=3= heifers were receiving 420c/kg on average which is €0.3 down on the previous week. O=3= heifers average prices were down also last week with an average price 405c/kg paid.