This week's factory quotes for beef cattle have seen the opening price offers start at similar levels to last week, despite supplies of factory-fit cattle dropping off and prices paid for forward store cattle at marts on the rise.

Mart managers are unanimous in admitting prices paid for store and beef cattle are increasing at mart sales over recent days, with up to €3,510 or €4.68/kg paid for a 750kg Charolais bullock at Carnaross Mart, Co. Meath today (Monday, May 12). There are 500 calves and 300 bullocks on offer in the sale.

In Balla Mart, Co. Mayo, on Saturday, May 10, a 755kg Angus bullock made €3,560 or €4.72/kg and another 575kg Limousin bullock sold for €2,970 or €5.17/kg.

In Gortatlea Mart, Co. Kerry, on Friday, May 9, 14 Angus bullocks with an average weight of 597kg sold for €2,930 or €4.90/kg.

In Dowra Mart, Co. Cavan, on Saturday, May 10, a 1,045kg Limousin dry cow sold for €4,700 or €4.49/kg.

This week, factories are starting negotiations at €7.50/kg in general for steers (bullocks), with some outlets opening offers at the lower rate of €7.40/kg on the grid.

Most factories are only killing cattle four days this week and several procurement staff were unsure if there would even be sufficient cattle available to fill out the kill sheets for these four days.

Heifers are being quoted at €7.55-7.60/kg on the grid in general this week, with some outlets starting the week at the lower rate of €7.50/kg.

Procurement staff are talking down the level of demand for beef and saying they will be reluctant to pay above their price offers for cattle this week.

However, the heated bidding wars taking place between factory agents at marts countrywide suggests otherwise.

'U' grade cows are still being quoted at up to €7.30/kg with €7.00-7.10/kg the general run of quotes for 'R' grade cows.

'O' grade cows are being quoted at €6.80/kg in general, with 'P' grade cows being quoted at €6.70/kg this week. Regular cow suppliers are managing to secure more from the trade.

Click here to see the latest official cow prices by grade and factory.

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €7.60-7.70/kg for 'U' grades with €7.50-7.60/kg being quoted for 'R' grades.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.40-7.50/kg with 'P' grade bulls being quoted at €7.30-7.40/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €7.40/kg on the grid.

Click here to see the latest official bull prices by grade and factory.