Beef prices steady for quality grades

BEEF prices at the factories held steady last week for the quality grades, but the poorer grading bullocks were weaker by an average of 1p/lb.

Supplies to the processors increased to around 70% of the pre-Christmas throughput, with 28,000 head going through the plants.

Prices for R grade bullocks were maintained, with returns for O grade weaker, while prices paid for heifers were stable for R grade and stronger by 1p/lb on average for O grade. The price difference between R and O grades has reduced to 3p/lb.

The farmer pay sheet returns for the week show that an average of 91p/lb was paid for R3 grade bullocks and heifers and a fraction short of 88p/lb for O3 grade.

Carrigans of Donegal paid an average of 94p/lb for R3 bullocks. Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff and Dawn Meats, Ballaghadereen paid over 92p/lb with Kepak, Athleage; Jennings of Ballinrobe and AIBP at Clones paying over 91p/lb.

The average cost of R3 bullocks was lower at each of the AIBP factories. Prices at Dawn factories and Kepak plants were broadly similar to the previous week.

The factories paid an average of just under 88p/lb for O3 bullocks with Dawn at Ballghadereen, Jennings of Ballinrobe and Carrigans of Donegal paying an average of 90p/lb or better.

Carrigans were the leaders for R3 heifers at an average of 93.6p/lb, followed by Dawn at Ballaghadereen and Exel at Kilbeggan over 92p/lb average and Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff, and AIBP, Clones averaging just under 92p/lb.

An average of 88p/lb was paid for O3 heifers against a top of 91p/lb at Jennings and a lowest price of 86p/lb.

The prices include a sizeable mix of over age cattle confirming that the trade for the over 30 months animals has strengthened.

Ashbourne Meats paid the highest average for cull cows at 72p/lb for O4L grade. Dawn at Ballyhaunis paid an average of 70p/lb for R5 grade and Fair Oak at Clonmel paid an average of 69p/lb for P+4L grade.