This week's factory quotes sees beef price offers reduced by a further 10c/kg at most outlets.

The most recent move by processors to reduce prices follows last week's move to cut 10c/kg from heifer and bullock (steer) base price.

Base price for prime cattle has now fallen by 20c/kg in the past two weeks.

Cow prices have also fallen at most sites this week, with some of the lower-paying outlets from previous weeks holding their cow price quote for this week.

Factory quotes: Heifers and steers

This week, heifers are being quoted at €6.90/kg on the grid in general.

At the higher end of the scale, some outlets are tabling €6.95/kg for heifers, with €7.05/kg on the grid still available in the north-west for 300-400kg heifers.

Steers are being quoted at €6.80-€6.85/kg on the grid in general this week. A €6.90/kg base has been tabled at the higher end of the scale this week and €7.00/kg is available for suitable 300-400kg carcass-weight steers.

Last week, Agriland revealed changes are coming in how the Certified Irish Angus breed bonus is composed and paid to farmer members. These changes are set to be implemented in September this year.

Despite this, breed bonuses generally ranging from 10-30c/kg are available for Hereford and Angus heifers and steers respectively.

Cow price

Several of the higher cow price offers from last week have been cut for this week.

Despite this, there remains significant variation in the price quoted for cows this week.

'P' grade cows are being quoted at €6.10/kg, but up to €6.20 and as low as €6.00/kg is also being quoted for 'P' grade cows this week.

'O' grade cows are being quoted at €6.20-€6.30/kg this week in general and 'R' grade cows are being quoted at €6.40-€6.50/kg.

'U' grade cows are being quoted at €6.60-€6.70/kg this week.

Bulls

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €7.00-€7.10/kg for 'U' grades.

'R' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.90-€7.00/kg and 'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.70-€6.80/kg.

'P' grade bulls are being quoted at prices ranging from €6.50-€6.70/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €6.80/kg on the grid.