This week's factory quotes have seen beef prices remain on firm footing with continued positive demand for all types of factory cattle.

The four-day week as a result of the February Bank Holiday Monday seems to have had no impact on backing-up kill sheet bookings.

Weekly kill numbers have been steady this year at just over 30,000 head and have been trending below last year since the week commencing Monday, January 12.

The trade for factory-fit cattle has not suffered any setback since the confirmation of the first Irish bluetongue case in a cattle herd in Co. Wexford on Saturday, January 24.

Factory quotes: Heifers and steers

This week, heifers are being quoted at €7.10/kg on the grid and steers (bullocks) are being quoted at €7.00/kg on the grid, generally speaking.

At the higher end of the scale, €7.15/kg and €7.20/kg on the grid are being tabled again this week for suitable steers and heifers with 300-400kg carcass-weights in the north-west of the country.

Some outlets are admitting that slightly above their official base price offer is available for choice lots of heifers and steers.

Breed bonuses are generally at 15c/kg and 20c/kg for Hereford and Angus cattle respectively, but up to 30c/kg remains available at some outlets for in-spec Angus heifers and steers with carcass-weights from 300-380kg.

Cow price

Cow price is steady again this week, with some of the lower offers increasing for this week but no change in the higher offers from last week.

'P' grade cows are being quoted at €6.40/kg this week, with €6.50-€6.60/kg on offer for 'O' grade cows.

'R' grade cows are being quoted at €6.70-€6.80/kg, and 'U' grade cows are being quoted at up to €7.00/kg in cases.

Bulls

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €7.40/kg for 'U' grades and €7.30/kg for 'R' grades.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.10/kg, while 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.00/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €7.00/kg on the grid again this week.