This week's factory quotes have seen minimal movement, with several outlets holding their price offers for beef cattle at the same level as last week.

Just over 32,800-head of cattle were slaughtered in the first week of September, a 5,300-head increase on the same week in 2025.

However, the cumulative kill-to-date for 2026 is still down by over 40,000 head when compared to 2025.

But as farmers and industry members prepare to flock to Co. Offaly for the National Ploughing Championships this week, most factory cattle procurement managers will have their kill sheets largely filled already.

Factory quotes: Heifers and steers

This week, heifers are still generally being quoted at the €6.50-€6.55/kg mark on the grid.

Meanwhile, steers (bullocks) are being quoted at €6.40/kg on the grid.

Some processors have increased offerings by 5c/kg for the week, with quotes of €6.45/kg now available, while up to €6.50/kg is still available in areas for in-spec steers.

This time last year, as farmers were preparing for the 2025 National Ploughing Championships, heifers and steers were being quoted at €7.30 and €7.20/kg on the grid respectively.

Cow price

Factory quotes for cows remains unchanged this week, with the fleshed 'P' grade cows still fetching €5.90/kg, or slightly less for lighter and plainer 'P' grade cows.

'O' grade cows are typically being quoted at €6.00/kg across the board, but heavy, fleshed 'O+' cows are still fetching prices of up to €6.10/kg.

Meanwhile, 'R' grade cow price offers are generally starting at €6.30/kg, while 'U' grade cows are being quoted at €6.40/kg.

As always, heavy fleshed cows scoring a '3' or above in flesh and with a carcass-weight above 270kg will qualify for higher price rates, while plainer, lighter, short-fleshed cows will be priced at lower rates.

Click here to view the latest official prices paid by factories for cows based on grade and fat score.

Bulls

Factory quotes for under-24-month bulls also remain unchanged, with €6.70/kg being offered for 'U' grades and €6.60/kg tabled for 'R' grade bulls.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.40/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.30/kg.

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