This week’s factory beef price quotes have seen price offerings increase again, with an additional 5c/kg on offer at the top-end of the price scale.
Last week saw some of the lower price offerings increase, while this week saw the higher price offerings increase.
As a result of the Easter Bank Holiday on Monday, April 1, most factories will only be operating a four-day kill this week, but despite this, prices have increased with up to €5.30/kg on the grid available for suitable bullocks (steers) with a carcass weight ranging from 300-400kg.
Factory quotes: Heifers and steers
Heifers are being quoted at 5.20/kg on the grid, with as high as €5.35/kg on the grid being quoted at the top-end of the price scale for suitable heifers with specific carcass weights.
Steer (bullock) prices are currently being quoted at €5.15/kg on the grid generally speaking, but on the higher-end of the price scale, prices of €5.30/kg on the grid are being quoted for eligible steers with carcass weights ranging from 300-400kg.
Factories which have held prices at the same level as last week may have sufficient cattle already bought for the week.
With five-day kills expected to resume next week, (after three short weeks at many sites), processor competition for the tightening supply of finished cattle could potentially heat up over the coming weeks.
Cow price
Cow price quotes have increased at some factories this week and remained at similar levels as last week at other sites, adding further to the significant variation in cow price quotes.
U-grade cows are being quoted at prices ranging from €4.70-4.80/kg. R-grade cows are being quoted at €4.60-4.70/kg.
O and P grade cows are being quoted at €4.35-4.50 and €4.20-4.40/kg respectively, with the higher-prices available for the better-type cows.
Bulls
Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at prices ranging from €5.35-5.45/kg for U grades, with €5.25-5.35/kg being quoted for R-grade bulls.
O grade bulls are being quoted at €5.10-5.15/kg and P grade bulls are being quoted at €5.00-5.05/kg, generally speaking. An additional 5c/kg is available in cases for in-spec bulls with suitable carcass weights.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €5.15/kg on the grid, generally speaking.