Ready Reckoner

The introduction of the 15-point scale for cattle classification in March 2011 meant significant changes to the pricing structure for cattle in Northern Ireland.  The system of payments had already been subject to a significant change in Autumn 2009 when new bonuses and penalties for in and out of specification cattle were introduced by several factories.  This ready reckoner is designed to help producers understand how factories are currently arriving at prices based on a range of criteria which includes grade, age, weight, FQAS status and country of origin.  You can compare the price you have actually been paid with the notional price suggested by the pricing grid and the rules around bonuses and penalties. 

It is important to note that the penalties quoted by factories for over/under weight cattle and over-age cattle may be relaxed depending on commercial requirements. This ready reckoner calculates prices based on the full application of quoted penalties and bonuses. For further details about these penalties click here to see our cattle pricing factsheet (29 April 2011).