Worst of the recent decline over?

Marts: Stronger prices at the top of the market — for both bullocks and heifers — is the positive side of the factory returns for last week kill which provides ground for optimism by producers that the worst of the recent decline is over.

The highest factory average for R4L bullocks was up 2 cents/kg at 300 cents/kg (107.3p/lb) at Dunbia, Slane while the top price for R4L heifers gained 3 cents/kg (1p/lb) with the highest factory average at 310 cents/kg (110.6p/lb) at Kepak, Clonee.

However the price dropped by a further 1-3 cents/kg at a majority of the factories as the national average for R4L bullocks slipped to 295 cents/kg (105.4p/lb) and 298 cents/kg (106.3p/lb) for R4L heifers.

Paying 297-298 cents/kg (106p/lb) for the bullocks were Slaney Meats (Bunclody), AIBP (Rathkeale, Bandon and Nenagh) and Dawn Meats (Waterford) contrasting with four factories where the average was less than 294 cents/kg (105p/lb). Group average prices for R4L bullocks was unchanged at AIBP, Dawn and Kepak at 296, 294 and 296 cents/kg respectively.

For the R4L heifers, 298-303 cents/kg (106.6p-108.1p/lb) was paid at AIBP (Cahir, Nenagh and Waterford) Jennings (Ballinrobe), Slaney Meats (Bunclody) and Euro Foods (Duleek).

The average paid for O4L bullocks and O3 heifers was similar at 284 cents/kg (101.3p/lb) which was 1 cent/kg lower than the previous week.

The supply of bullocks dropped — for the third consecutive week — by a further 1,200 head to 12,386 head, but this decline was partly offset by an increase of 600 head in heifers.

The lower intake — if sustained — should help to stabilise the market.

Cow prices have continued to weather the pressure on prime beef. AIBP at Clones paid an average of 264 cents/kg (94.3p/lb) for R5 cows. Liffeys at Ballyjamesduff were highest for O grade at 251 cents/kg (89.6p/lb) and AIBP (Clones) also paid 251 cents/kg (89.6p/lb) for P grade.