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.

On the down side, R4L bullocks were back by 1.8p/lb to an average of 107.6p/lb at Kepak (Clonee) mostly accounted for by fewer contract animals in the mix, Newgrange slipped 1.6p/lb to an average of 109.5p/lb, Ashbourne paid an average of 1.3p/lb less at 108.5p/lb and AIBP (Cahir) was back 1p/lb at 107.8p/lb. On the positive side, prices increased by about 0.5p/lb at AIBP (Rathkeale), AIBP (Clones) and Slaney (Freshford). Prices were also slightly stronger at Dawn (Midleton). The average for O4L bullocks was unchanged at 106p/lb — individual factories paying up to 109p/lb.

Throughput at the factories was down 2,600 head at 27,493 head. Bullocks were back over 1,000 head at 11,903, and heifers were lower by 1,100 head at 6,790.

The top price for quality cows held at 97p/lb, with Ashbourne Liffeys, Clonee and Exel the best.