Factories tightening grips on prices

As the processors tightened their grips on prices the return on R4L bullocks fell slightly at a number of the plants last week, in an unwelcome signal for producers who increased supply by a further 1,300 head to almost 35,000 head.

But the cow prices continued to buck the trend for bullocks and heifers as the margin behind prime beef narrowed further with over 96p/lb paid for quality heavy cows — an increase of 3 cents/kg (1p/lb)

AIBP Group — six factories — paid an average of 0.5p/lb less for R4L bullocks at an average of 106.5p/lb to join the Dawn Group’s six factories — paying 106.6p/lb — both below the national average of 106.8p/lb. Kepak Group — three factories - — paid slightly above the national average at 107p/lb.