Good recovery in supply to factories

Marts: A strong improvement in the prices being paid by processors for cattle has brought about a good recovery in the supply to the factories.

The intake increased by 5,500 head last week to over 35,000 head following an increase of 5c/kg (1.6p/lb), which brought the average paid for R4L bullocks to 104.4p/lb, while the average paid for R4L heifers increased to 105.3p/lb.

This average does not included returns from price leader Donegal Meats.

Half of the operating factories increased the average paid for R4L bullocks by at least 2p/lb. Euro Farm Foods at Duleek increased the average paid by 3.4p/lb to 106p/lb and prices were better by 3p/lb at both Moyvalley Meats, Broadford, Co Kildare, and Kepak at Clonee, with the respective prices 105.1p/lb and 104.9p/lb. The average for the AIBP Group of six factories was improved by 2p/lb to 104.3p/lb — none of the factories buying for less than 104p/lb and a top of 105.4p/lb paid at Clones.

Gains were slightly less at Kepak Group, where the average was 104.3p/lb and at Dawn Group with an average of just under 104p/lb.

The graphs (below) show the sharp fall in price, followed by an equally sharp recovery after farmers stalled on selling cattle at the lower price. There was a 30% drop in bullock intake in one week.

Heifers maintained a lead on the bullocks. Kepak (Clonee) paid an average of 107p/lb for R4L heifers, just ahead of AIBP (Waterford) at 107.5p/lb and AIBP (Nenagh) at 107p/lb, followed by Slaney Meats (Bunclody), and Kildare Meats each on 106.7p/lb and Euro Farm Foods (Duleek) and AIBP (Bandon) at over 106p/lb.

Cow prices surged forward. Ashbourne Meats (Roscrea) paid almost 100p/lb for R grade cows.