National Average Factory Prices for steers, cows, heifers for the week 25 November 2013 to the 01 December, as reported by the Department of Agriculture this afternoon.

Steers

Factory prices received by farmers for steers were more or less unchanged last week but were generally down across grade classifications. National average prices for U=3= cattle was 415c/kg last which represents a €0.2 fall when compared previous week. For cattle in the R=3= grade 403c/kg was received on average by farmers which is unchanged on the previous week. For O=3= steers farmers received on average 384c/kg also unchanged on the previous week.

Cows

Average cow prices were a down nationally last week. U=3= cows, which were on average making 352c/kg down a significant €0.20 on the previous week. However R=3= grade cows were also down receiving 342c/kg on average, down €0.4 on the previous week. O=3= were also down last week at 312c/kg showing a €0.2 on the previous week.

Heifers

Heifers were a mixed bag last week. Quality U=3= heifers were making 435c/kg last week €0.5 down on the previous week. However, farmers killing R=3= heifers were receiving 418c/kg on average which is unchanged on the previous week. O=3= heifers average prices also remained firm last week at 403c/kg.