Factory quotes: cattle prices continue to rise

Factory quotes: cattle prices continue to rise

November 30, 2021, 6:00 a.m.

This week’s factory quotes saw a further upward movement in the price of beef, but heifer and steer quotes appear slower to move than other categories.

Increases of 5c / kg were cited by most processors in the cows and bulls under 24 month categories for this week, but it appears most processors are opening quotes for heifers and steers this week at the same. levels than last week.

Starting with heifers and € 4.25 / kg on the grid is what’s on offer here this week, while watching the steers and € 4.20 / kg on the grid is the general race this week.

Although the prices above are those quoted by most processors this week, farmers with suitable herds ready to go to the factory would have to bargain hard and more money could be offered to the farmer.

On the upper end of the scale 4.30 € / kg is currently available for heifers with an offer of 4.25 € / kg for steers, as well as a carcass bonus of 10 cents / kg for heifers. and steers killing between 300 and 400 kg.

Breed premiums are still available for Hereford and Angus heifers and steers of 10c / kg and 20c / kg respectively.

Looking at the cows, it looks like cow prices have fully recovered since coming under pressure in recent weeks, with the same supply, if not more, than cow prices in early October.

From U grade cows and € 4.00 / kg are offered for top grade U grade cows that are well fleshy and achieve a U +.

Looking at cows of grade R, O and P and respectively 3.85 €, 3.65 € and 3.55 € / kg, this is what is offered to cows which obtain an “equal” in their respective grades, but which are quite fleshy and are not too fatty.

Cows of better quality in their respective grades will likely be eligible for a higher price per kilogram than the above prices, so farmers should make sure this stipulation is accepted before sending the cows to the processor.

Finally, looking at the bulls and a fixed price of 4.25 €, 4.15 €, 4.00 € and 3.90 / kg is what is offered for bulls of grade U, R, O and P respectively, with better type bulls in their respective grades entering a higher price per kg and vice versa.

Bulls under 16 months are listed at € 4.20 / kg on the grid.

Last week’s kill numbers will be available shortly and it will be interesting to see how the kill mix compares to the week before.