This week’s factory quotes have seen the lower price quotes continue to edge up with 5c/kg increases in price quotes seen from many processors, while the stronger price quotes from last week have generally held for this week.
More money is available at a number of factories across the country for heifers, steers, bulls and cows this week.
Despite most factories operating a four-day week for last week, this week and next week, processors remain keen for cattle, and are anxious to fill out kill sheets with suitable cattle for the remaining kill days.
The graph below shows the average price paid for R+3= grade steers in the 12 weeks up to the week ending Sunday, March 17:
Farmers can click here to view this information.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) official price figures are available up to March 17 and show that the average steer price increased in the first two weeks of March.
Indications suggest this rising average price trend continued last week and will continue this week also.
Factory quotes: Heifers and steers
Heifers are being quoted at 5.20/kg on the grid with €5.30/kg on the grid being quoted at the top-end of the price scale for suitable heifers with specific carcass weights.
The lower heifer quotes of €5.15/kg from last week appear to be off the table this week.
Steer (bullock) prices are currently being quoted at €5.15/kg on the grid, generally speaking. Some factories are still putting forward the €5.10/kg price quote but are having to pay more to secure any significant numbers of steers.
On the higher-end of the price scale, prices of €5.25/kg on the grid are being quoted for eligible steers with carcass weights ranging from 300-400kg.
Cow price
Cow price quotes have also strengthened this week
U-grade cows are being quoted at prices ranging from €4.70-4.80/kg. R-grade cows are being quoted at €4.60-4.65/kg.
O and P grade cows are being quoted at €4.35-4.40 and €4.20-4.25/kg respectively, generally speaking.
These price quotes are for fleshed cows with carcass weights above 270kg. Lighter, short-fleshed cows will be priced differently.
It seems there remains plenty of scope for negotiation on cow price and prices as high as €4.30/kg were reported to Agriland for well-fleshed P+ grade cows this week.
Bulls
Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at prices ranging from €5.35-5.45/kg for U grades, with €5.25-5.35/kg being quoted for R grade bulls.
O grade bulls are being quoted at €5.10-5.15/kg and P grade bulls are being quoted at €5.00-5.05/kg, generally speaking.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €5.15/kg on the grid, generally speaking.