This week’s factory quotes for finished beef cattle sees major movement in beef price again with changes of up to 15c/kg in the prices quoted for finished beef cattle.
Conversations with the main factory procurement managers indicate that factory cattle supplies took a major hit last week in particular, in factory lairages in the areas of the country most severely affected by the snow and ice.
Some procurement managers are hopefully this will result in a slight flush of additional supplies this week but despite this, prices have risen once again.
Factory quotes: Heifers and steers
Some outlets that were quoting €5.65/kg for heifers last week are opening negotiations at €5.75/kg on the grid this week but are admitting that well-fleshed, in-spec continental heifers are going in at €5.80/kg on the grid this week, some 15c/kg above their price quote from last week.
Steers (bullocks) are being quoted at €5.70/kg on the grid this week with good continental types going in at €5.75/kg on the grid.
Such is the demand for beef this week that most procurement staff are admitting they are open to negotiations on price with scope for flat-price deals and premiums available for all farmers, regardless of how many or few cattle are involved in the deal.
Cow price
Cow prices have enjoyed increases again this week also with premiums of up to €5.80/kg being quoted for U grade cows but quotes of €5.50-5.60/kg are more common.
R grade cows are being quoted at €5.60-5.70/kg at the higher-end of the scale but quotes of €5.40/kg are more common.
O grade cows are being quoted at €5.20/kg in general with €5.00-5.10/kg being quoted for P grade cows. Again, there is plenty of scope for negotiations on cow price this week.
Bulls
Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €6.10-6.20/kg for U grades with €6.00-6.10/kg being quoted for R grade bulls. O grade bulls are being quoted at €5.75-5.85/kg with €5.65-5.75 being quoted for P-grade bulls. Deals are available for farmers with bulls to sell this week also.
Under 16-month bulls are being quoted at €5.65-5.70/kg on the grid.