This week's factory quotes have seen the first signs of the beef trade steadying after three consecutive weeks of price cuts across the board.

At least one of the major outlets has held its steer price offer at the same level as last week while others have reduced their offers by a further 10c/kg.

Agriland asked procurement bosses at several of the major outlets if they see the price cuts reversing any time soon.

Most procurement staff said they were "hopeful" trade has almost "bottomed out" but did not give any indication as to whether they see price cuts being reversed any time soon.

Some factory agents believe prices could start to lift again if supplies tighten and demand lifts into late April or early May, but it remains to be seen if this speculation will materialise.

Delays in getting getting cattle booked in for slaughter remain in cases but are showing some indications of alleviating.

Factory quotes: Steers and heifers

This week, steers (bullocks) are being quoted at €6.60-€6.70/kg on the grid.

Several outlets in the southern half of the country reduced their steer price offer by 10c/kg this week but at least one of the larger outlets has held their offer at €6.70/kg again this week.

In the north-west of the country, €6.75/kg has been tabled for steers, with €6.85/kg on the grid available for suitable steers with 300-400kg carcass-weights.

Heifers are being quoted at €6.70/kg on the grid in most parts of the country, but in the north-west, €6.80/kg is available with €6.90/kg being tabled for suitable 300-400kg carcass-weight heifers.

There is a variation of up to 20c/kg between outlets in base price offers for prime cattle this week.

The Angus breed bonus is at 15c/kg in general, with 10-15c/kg available for eligible Hereford cattle.

Cow price

Cow price offers have held at several outlets this week after three weeks of price cuts.

€6.00-€6.10/kg is being quoted for 'P' grade cows this week. 'O' grade cows are being quoted at €6.10-€6.20/kg , generally speaking.

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

Bulls

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €6.90/kg in general for 'U' grades. In the north-west, €6.95-€7.05/kg is being quoted for 'U' grade bulls.

'R' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.80-€6.85/kg in general, but up to €6.95/kg has been quoted in the north-west for 300-400kg carcass-weight bulls.

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.50-€6.60/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.40-€6.50/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €6.70/kg on the grid in general.