Looking at this week’s factory quotes, the lower price quotes from last week have moved up, while the average and higher price quotes from last week have held at similar levels.
A number of factories will be operating four-day kills for this week, next week and the following week, which will reduce the number of cattle needed to fill out kill sheets.
Supplies of finished cattle generally tend to become tighter at the end of the first quarter and into the second quarter of the year.
With continued wet conditions delaying grazing in most parts of the country, numbers of finished cattle coming directly from the field could also be delayed in May and June as a result.
Factory quotes: Heifers and steers
Heifers are being quoted at €5.15-5.20/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 carcass weights ranging from 300-400kg.
The higher heifer prices appear to be more widely available this week with the lower quotes from last week off the table for this week.
Steer (bullock) prices are currently being quoted at €5.10-5.15/kg on the grid, generally speaking.
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
The variation in cow price quotes remains significant with the stronger cow-buying outlets naturally paying more for cows than other outlets.
U-grade cows are being quoted at prices ranging from €4.60-4.80/kg. R-grade cows are being quoted at €4.40-4.60/kg.
O and P grade cows are being quoted at €4.30-4.35 and €4.15-4.20/kg respectively, generally speaking.
These price quotes are for fleshed cows with carcass weights above 270kg. Lighter, short-fleshed cows will be priced differently.
Bulls
Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at prices ranging from €5.30-5.45/kg for U grades, with €5.20-5.35/kg being quoted for R grade bulls.
O grade bulls are being quoted at €5.00-5.10/kg and P grade bulls are being quoted at €4.90-5.00/kg, generally speaking.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €5.10-€5.15/kg on the grid, generally speaking.