This week's factory quotes sees beef price offers remain largely steady for this week.

At least one outlet in the north-west of the country that had been ahead on base price offers for prime cattle has reduced its price offers for this week, leaving their prices generally in line with the rest of the country for 300-400kg carcass-weight animals.

Most of the other main outlets have held their base price offers at the same level as last week.

Some outlets have edged up their price offers for under-24-month bulls for this week.

Conversations with some factory cattle procurement staff would indicate the beef trade is looking slightly more positive this week.

As weather conditions have hopefully turned a corner and more cattle will be going out to grass this week, it remains to be seen if factory cattle supplies will drop off or if the late spring has resulted in more farmers pushing cattle on for a shed finish.

Factory quotes: Heifers and steers

This week, bullocks (steers) are being quoted at €6.60/kg in general.

Heifers are generally being quoted at €6.70/kg on the grid.

Higher steer and heifer price offers that were available at some outlets in the north-west last week have ben reduced this week.

Angus breed bonuses are generally ranging from 15-20c/kg on eligible cattle and Hereford breed bonuses are generally ranging from 5-10c/kg on eligible cattle.

Cow price

Fleshed, 'P' grade cows are being quoted at €6.00-€6.10/kg this week.

'O' grade cows are being quoted at €6.10/kg, with €6.20/kg quoted for better-type 'O' grading cows and €6.30/kg in cases.

'R' grade cows are being quoted at €6.30-€6.40/kg, and 'U' grade cows are being quoted at €6.50-€6.60/kg.

Bulls

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €6.90/kg for 'U' grades.

'R' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.80/kg in general with less outlets forwarding the lower bull price offers this week.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at approximately €6.60/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at approximately €6.50/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €6.60/kg on the grid in general again this week.