This week’s factory quotes for beef cattle has seen some talk from procurement staff about the base price for prime cattle reducing by 5c/kg, while other outlets have affirmed prices are holding firm for this week.
Off-season breed bonuses for Angus and Hereford cattle have kicked in to the trade now with a 25c/kg breed bonus available on eligible Angus heifers and steers, as well as a 25c/kg breed bonus, which is also currently available on eligible Hereford heifers and steers.
Supplies of finished cattle have been in decline for the past six consecutive weeks, but with grazing delayed this spring and many cattle still housed, the impact this will have on cattle supplies progressing into the year remains to be seen.
Factory quotes: Heifers and steers
Heifers are still being quoted at €5.20-5.25/kg on the grid, with as high as €5.35/kg on the grid being quoted at the top-end of the price scale for suitable heifers with carcass weights ranging from 300-400kg.
Steer (bullock) prices are currently being quoted at €5.15/kg on the grid generally speaking, but on the higher-end of the price scale, prices of €5.30/kg on the grid are being quoted for eligible steers with carcass weights ranging from 300-400kg.
On the lower-end of the scale, some procurement staff are putting forward quotes of €5.10/kg on the grid for steers and €5.15/kg on the grid for heifers.
Cow price
Cow price quotes have held for this week at most sites, with a major variation in price quotes between processors. Some factories are more anxious for certain types of cows than others and are able to pay a premium for suitable cows.
For example up to €5.00/kg is available for U grade cows through the Irish Limousin Cattle Society’s partnership with Ashbourne Meats.
In general this week, U-grade cows are being quoted at prices ranging from €4.70-4.90/kg. R-grade cows are being quoted at €4.60-4.70/kg.
Click here to see the prices paid by each factory for sows in the week ending Sunday, April 7.
O and P grade cows are being quoted at €4.35-4.50 and €4.20-4.40/kg respectively, with the higher-prices available for the better-type cows.
Bulls
Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at prices ranging from €5.35-5.45/kg for U grades, with €5.25-5.35/kg being quoted for R-grade bulls.
O grade bulls are being quoted at €5.10-5.15/kg and P grade bulls are being quoted at €5.00-5.05/kg, generally speaking.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €5.15/kg on the grid, generally speaking.