After three consecutive weeks of price cuts, this week's factory quotes have seen most outlets hold their price offers, with the lower price rates from last week increasing for this week.

The warm and sunny weather arriving across both Ireland and the UK at a time of the year when outdoor events kick off has seen many barbeques fired up, bringing a subsequent lift in demand for steak meat and burgers.

Some factory outlets have tried to reduce their heifer and steer opening price quotes for the week at 10c/kg below their offer from last week, leaving these offers 20c/kg below what the stronger-paying outlets are quoting for this week.

While trade has become firmer this week, procurement staff have told Agriland they will 'toe the line' on price and leave their kill sheets short a few cattle rather than pay over the odds.

This week, bullocks (steers) are being quoted at €7.40-7.50/kg on the grid, generally speaking, while heifers are being quoted at €7.50-7.60/kg on the grid.

Hereford and Angus breed bonuses range from 20-30c/kg for all eligible cattle at most sites.

Farmers can click here to get an estimate of the value of their cattle based on the most recent prices reported by factories to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Weekly cattle supplies are gradually declining but the kill numbers are remaining above last year. Despite processors' best efforts to assert calmness over the trade, all indicators point to a significant drop-off in supplies of cattle between now and the year-end.

'P' grade cows are being quoted at €6.50-6.60/kg this week, with €6.60-6.70/kg the guide price for 'O' grade cows. 'R' grade cows are being quoted at €6.90-7.00/kg, and 'U' grade cows are being quoted at €7.00-7.10/kg with premiums of up to €7.30/kg quoted in some cases.

There is significant variation in cow prices both within grades and between outlets.

Farmers can click here to see the latest official DAFM factory cow prices.

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €7.60-7.70/kg for 'U' grades with €7.50-7.60/kg being quoted for 'R' grade bulls.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.30-7.40/kg with €7.20-7.30/kg being quoted for 'P' grade bulls.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €7.40/kg on the grid.