Producers warn industry on price

Marts: Spring finishers of beef warned the processing industry at a meeting with Meat Industry Ireland last Friday of being left high and dry without spring beef supplies unless prices are improved.

But the response could not have been more negative as the processors — particularly across the southern half of the country — imposed further severe cuts in prices yesterday as European markets for forequarters remains very weak.

Quoted prices for R grade stock fell to 280c/kg (100p/lb) in the south and east, with some of the processors in the Midlands holding quotes at 286c/kg (102p/lb). Slaney Meats (Bunclody) were offering 286c/kg (102p/lb) for quality assured stock and Dunbia Newgrange (Navan) was quoting 289c/kg (103p/lb) for underage animals, while Kepak at Kilbeggan was offering 286c/kg (102p/lb) for underage.