National Average Factory Prices for steers, cows, heifers for the week 14-20 October 2013, as reported by the Department of Agriculture.
Steers
Prices received by farmers for steers where down on average this week generally across grade classifications. National average prices for U=3+ cattle was 420c/kg last week down 3.9 per cent when compared previous week. For cattle in the R=3+ grade 405c/kg was received on average by farmers which is also down in this case 3.7 per cent on the previous week. For O=3+ steers farmers received on average 385c/kg down 5.2 per cent on the previous week.
Heifers
Heifers were a different story last week with average prices up nationally on the previous week. U=3+ heifers were making 439c/kg last week up 1.45 per cent on the previous week. Farmers killing R=3+ heifers were receiving 417c/kg on average a slight increase of just under 1 per cent on the previous week. O=3+ heifers average prices also showed an improvement last week at 400c/kg up 1.4 per cent on the previous week.
Cows
Average cow prices were a mixed bag last week. U=4+ cows were on average making 383c/kg down 1.5 per cent on the previous week. However R=3= grade cows were up receiving 361c/kg on average, up 3 per cent on the previous week. O=3+ were also up last week at 339c/kg showing a 2.7 per cent increase on the previous week.
Click on graphs below for exact details.
* A.B.G Average of Base Grades. Factories are ranked on the average of the reported prices paid for the QPS base grades (ie animals grading R= and R- on conformation and from 2+ to 4= on fat score). Prices include the 12c/kg in-spec Quality Assurance bonus paid on eligible animals and/or other bonuses. Prices include VAT @4.8 per cent.