This week's factory quotes have seen beef price cuts largely stalled, with most outlets starting the week off at the same price level as last week.

Meanwhile, some of the higher-paying outlets have reduced their steer price quote to a similar level as the other lower offers from last week.

Outlets in the north-west that were 15-25c/kg ahead of other sites last week have reduced their price quotes for this week, leaving these 5-15c/kg above the general run of price offers.

Cow price has mostly held firm with offers remaining at the same level as last week in most cases.

Factory quotes: Heifers and steers

This week, heifers are being quoted at €6.70/kg on the grid in most cases.

Steers (bullocks) are being quoted at €6.60/kg on the grid, generally speaking.

At the higher end of the price scale, €6.75/kg on the grid is available for suitable 300-400kg carcass-weight steers and €6.80/kg is available for suitable heifers of the same specifications in the north-west.

Angus breed bonuses are generally ranging from 15-20c/kg, with Hereford breed bonuses at 5-10c/kg.

This time last year, heifer base price was at €7.50-€7.60/kg and steer base price was at €7.40-€7.50/kg and rising.

This leaves prime cattle price offers are 80-90c/kg below this time last year

Cow price

'P' grade cows are being quoted at €6.00/kg in general this week. 'O' grade cows are being quoted at €6.10/kg in general.

'R' grade cows are being quoted at €6.20-€6.30/kg and 'U' grade cows are being quoted at up to €6.60/kg.

Bulls

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €6.80 and €6.70/kg for 'U' and 'R' grades respectively.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.50/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.40/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €6.60/kg on the grid.