Bullock prices reflect tight supply

Marts: Euro Farm Foods took over the lead on prices for R grade bullocks in last week’s kill as the supply of cattle to the factories tightened further.

The Duleek, Co Meath based processors paid an average of 111p/lb for R4L bullocks and 109p/lb for O4L grade to lead both categories on price, but were not as strong on heifers paying an average of just under 110p/lb for R4L which was the fourth highest in a category headed by Kepak (Clonee) at 113p/lb — including bonus payments for premium price contract supplies — ahead of AIBP (Nenagh), and Slaney Meats both paying an average of 110p/lb.

The national average for R4L bullocks slipped by less than 1 cents/kg to 108.7p/lb, with R4L heifers back by the same amount at an average of 109p/lb.