Higher prices for cattle

HIGHER prices were paid for all types of cattle at the factories last week with the throughput of cattle also remaining very strong.

The overall average paid for R3 bullocks was improved by a half penny per lb with individual factories having paid up to 1p/lb more on average for supplies. The increase in R3 heifer prices was slightly less, bringing heifer prices closer to parity with the bullocks. Average prices paid for O3 grades of bullocks and heifers were also improved, but by a slightly lower margin than the bullocks.

With more overage animals in the mix of the kill at the factories, it is more difficult to determine exactly what is being paid for the young stock from the paysheet returns which take a representative sample of the kill for each grade without showing the age factor.

In an overall average of 84.4p/lb for R3 bullocks, the young stock would have cost between 85p/lb and 86p/lb. Carrigans of Donegal paid an average of 86.8p/lb and over 85p/lb was paid by AIBP, at Bandon, Cahir and Waterford, Slaney Meats, Bunclody, Exel Meats, Kilbeggan and Dawn Meats at Waterford. The factories paid an average of just over 80p/lb for O3 grade bullocks, with many factories having paid 81p/lb or better average.

The overall average for R3 heifers was 84.7p/lb. Prices ranged from 89p/lb at Kepak, Clonee to 80p/lb average at one factory. Slaney Meats paid over 87p/lb average, with Exel, Kilbeggan, and AIBP plants at Clones and Bandon paying over 86p/lb. The average for O3 heifers was 79p/lb. The trade for cull cows continues strong. Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff paid the highest overall average price at almost 69p/lb for R4L grade.