This week's factory quotes have seen beef price offers from some outlets rise by 10c/kg as official factory price data for last week shows increases in average prices across all beef categories.

The official price data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) shows average prices increased for all categories of cattle last week.

Weekly factory beef kill figures from DAFM shows weekly kill numbers fell by 2,800 head last week.

There had been some murmurings last week from procurement managers at some outlets that factory supplies were beginning to tighten last week and that was reflected in the weekly kill numbers.

Other procurement staff have a different perspective of the current factory cattle supply situation and are saying that the drop off in kill numbers last week came due to outlets deciding to kill fewer cattle, claiming cold stores are already full with product that is proving slow to sell.

While both factors may well be possible in specific cases, the trade reality shows that beef price declines have paused for now at least and some positivity has entered the trade once again.

Factory quotes: Heifers and steers

This week, heifers are generally being quoted at €6.30-6.35/kg on the grid and steers are generally being quoted at €6.20-6.30/kg on the grid.

Most outlets are having to move towards the higher base price offers to secure sufficient quantities of heifers and steers for this week.

Angus breed bonuses are generally ranging from 15-20c/kg on eligible cattle, while Hereford breed bonuses are generally ranging from 5-10c/kg on eligible cattle.

Cow price

Cow price offers have also moved up by approximately 10c/kg this week at several outlets.

€5.70/kg has been tabled for 'P' grade cows this week in most cases.

'O' grade cows are being quoted at €5.80/kg and some outlets are offering €5.90/kg for 'O+' grade cows this week.

'R' grade cows are being quoted at €6.00/kg this week with some outlets offering more for these.

'U' grade cows are being quoted at €6.20-6.30/kg.

Again, regular cow suppliers are in cases managing to secure more from the market.

Click here to see the latest official factory cow price data.

Bulls

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €6.50/kg for 'U' grades with the lower offers from last week moving up for this week.

'R' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.40/kg in general this week with lower offers moving up this week.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.20/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.10/kg with some outlets tabling 5-10c/kg above this in cases for bulls.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €6.20/kg on the grid in general this week.

Conversations with farmers killing cattle this week would suggest there is more positivity in the trade overall this week which will be welcome news for farmers with finished cattle to sell in the coming weeks.