This week's factory quotes for beef cattle has seen most processors hold their price offerings at the same level as last week, but some outlets have increased their price offers.

There is a noticeable variation emerging in price offers for bulls, with up to 40c/kg price difference within grades between some outlets for under-24-month bulls.

Supplies of factory-fit cattle remain scarce and factories have reduced the number of days they are killing - requiring less cattle to fill out kill sheets as a result.

Steers (bullocks) are being quoted at €7.50-€7.60/kg on the grid, while heifers are being quoted at €7.60-7.70/kg on the grid.

The Angus breed bonus of up to 30c/kg remains available for eligible cattle this week, and Hereford breed bonuses are generally ranging from 20-25c/kg, depending on the outlet, despite the Irish Hereford Prime pre-booked bonus officially ending last week.

Factory procurement staff are well aware of the looming shortage of beef cattle, and the good weather conditions and strong trade to date this year has resulted in more cattle coming forward for slaughter earlier than originally expected.

It remains to be seen how this will impact supplies into the second half of the year but all signals currently point to a tight supply of cattle.

Cow price quotes remain much the same as last week but some of the lower-paying outlets last week have upped their price offers for this week.

'U' grade cows are being quoted at €7.40-7.50/kg, with 'R' grade cows being quoted at €7.20-€7.30/kg, generally speaking.

'O' grade cows are being quoted at €6.90/kg, and well-fleshed 'P' grade cows are being quoted at €6.80/kg in general.

Click here to see the latest official data on the average prices paid for cows by grade and factory.

There is a big variation in the price quotes for under-24-month bulls this week, but the stronger bull customers are quoting up to €8.00/kg for 'U' grade bulls and €7.90/kg for 'R' grade bulls.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.70/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.60/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at up to €7.70/kg on the grid this week.

Processors appear keen try retain some level of price stability, but the reality is the current tight supplies are pushing prices paid upwards, as can be seen in the official price trends here.