This week's factory quotes have seen several outlets hold their price offers for beef cattle at the same level as last week while others have reduced their price quotes by 10c/kg.

The Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show took place on Sunday, August 9.

The event was attended by several of the key Irish beef processors, and the mood was surprisingly positive and largely optimistic amongst beef farmers, despite the grass growth challenges and slightly easing beef trade.

Some factory cattle procurement staff are not overly confident of the reduced price offers setting into the trade, with several of the opinion the trade will steady up.

Procurement staff are saying that the stalling of grass growth in several parts of Ireland since July is having an impact on regular autumn cattle management and sale trends.

Farmers in areas with limited grass growth have naturally enough started feeding forward store cattle on for finishing earlier than usual.

Factory quotes: Heifers and steers

This week, heifers are generally being quoted at €6.40-€6.50/kg on the grid.

Steers (bullocks) are being quoted at €6.30-€6.40/kg on the grid.

Some of the lower price offers will struggle to secure any significant levels of cattle this week but could well set into the trade later in the week.

The latest official prices paid by factories are available to view here.

Changes to the Angus and Hereford breed bonus are coming in next month, with the Angus breed bonus changes set to be implemented at some sites from Monday, September 7.

Cow price

Cow prices have eased in the past few weeks after lifting since June.

Most outlets have held their cow price offers at the same level as last week.

'P' grade cows are being quoted at €5.90/kg this week in general.

'O' grade cows are being quoted at €6.00/kg, with deals of €6.00/kg available for mixed batches of 'P' and 'O' grade cows.

'R' grade cows are being quoted at €6.30/kg, and 'U' grade cows are being quoted at €6.40/kg.

Some outlets that are less keen for cows are opening cow price offers at 10c/kg below these levels.

Bulls

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €6.60/kg for 'U' grades, with €6.50/kg tabled for 'R' grade bulls.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.30/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.20/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €6.40/kg on the grid.