Factory quotes for finished beef cattle this week continue on firm footing with prices steady and increased breed bonuses set to kick in to the trade from next week.
The Certified Irish Angus producer group’s increased 30c/kg off-season bonus, available for eligible pre-booked cattle at ABP Food Group and Kepak sites will kick in on Monday, October 7, until Friday, November 15.
Meanwhile, Irish Hereford Prime’s increased breed bonus of 25c/kg will be available for eligible pre-booked cattle at all ABP Food Group and Kepak sites from October 14, 2024 to November 15, 2024 (Week 42-46).
Factory quotes: Steers and heifers
Bullocks (steers) are being quoted at prices ranging from €5.00-5.05/kg on the grid in general this week. Heifer price is in a similar position to last week with €5.05-5.10/kg on the grid in general being quoted.
At the higher end of the price scale, €5.10 and €5.15/kg is available for eligible steers and heifers respectively for in-spec animals with carcass weights ranging from 300-400kg.
Cows
Cow price is continuing on positive footing with the kill numbers of cows remaining well above last year.
Factory demand for cows is good but the variation in cow prices is significant between processors.
The chart below details the average prices paid for O=3= grade cows by processor in the week ending Sunday, September 22:
Click here to view average cow prices paid by factory on a grade-by-grade basis.
P grade cows are being quoted at €4.40/kg this week with €4.50/kg being quoted for O grade cows. €4.70-4.80/kg is being quoted for R grade cows with €5.00/kg and above on offer for U grade cows.
Again, more money is available in cases and as the the chart above above shows, there is some level of variation in prices paid with carcass weights and fat covers also having an impact on price paid.
Bulls
Bull prices have remained relatively steady since late July with the average young bull price paid hovering between €5.30 and €5.35/kg for U=2+ bulls.
The graph below shows the national average price paid for U=2+ bulls since July of this year:
For U grade bulls most outlets are quoting €5.30 and 5.20/kg for U and R grade bulls respectively. O grade bulls are being quoted at €5.00/kg and €4.90/kg is being quoted for P grade bulls, generally speaking.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at€5.00-5.05/kg on the grid in general.