Factory quotes: Beef trade on steady footing this week
Some sites are only killing cattle for three days this week with others doing four half-days.
Supplies of cattle remain limited, with not enough cattle available for processing outlets to run at full capacity currently.
Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show took place yesterday, Sunday, August 10, and is traditionally always well attended by beef farmers and factory procurement staff alike.
This year was no different and conversations at the show with procurement staff would indicate supplies of cattle are not expected to significantly increase in the short-term at least.
The mood amongst beef farmers in attendance at the event was largely one of positivity, with favourable weather and prices both bringing a welcome confidence boost to the sector.
This week, heifers are being quoted at €7.60/kg on the grid, with steers (bullocks) being quoted at €7.50/kg on the grid.
Breed bonuses ranging from 15-30c/kg remain available on eligible Hereford and Angus cattle.
In Northern Ireland this week, base quotes for 'U-3' steers and heifers range from £6.24-£6.38/kg this week with 'O+3' cow quotes ranging from £5.20-£5.40/kg.
This week, 'P' grade cows are being quoted at €6.90-€7.00/kg with €7.10-€7.20/kg available for 'O' grade cows.
'R' grade cows are being quoted at €7.40-€7.50 with €7.60/kg being quoted for 'U' grade cows.
'U' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.80-€7.90/kg on the grid and 'R' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.70-€7.80/kg.
'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.50-€7.60/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.40-€7.50/kg.
Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €7.50-€7.60/kg on the grid.
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