This week’s factory quotes have seen beef price increase by 5c/kg in a few cases, but the majority of processors have held prices at the same level as last week.
Supplies of beef cattle are beginning to tighten, but the next three weeks will see most factories operate four-day kills, with the St Patrick’s Day bank holiday on Monday, March 18, Good Friday on March 29 and Easter Monday on April 1.
With four-day kills, procurement staff will be under less pressure to fill out kill sheets, however with beef markets steady and supplies tightening, further price increases can not be ruled out in the coming weeks.
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.
At the lower-end of the price scale, some outlets are putting forward quotes of €5.10/kg on the grid for heifers.
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, while at the lower-end of the price quotes, some processors are quoting €5.05/kg on the grid for steers.
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 €4.40-4.50/kg.
O and P grade cows are being quoted at €4.20 and €4.10/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 €5.30-5.40/kg for U grades, with €5.20-5.30/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.