Lower prices at factories after producer resistance

Marts: Beef prices have dropped by an average of 3c/kg (1p/lb) at the factories after resistance from producers succeeded in holding returns above the quoted rates by the processors, with some of the 38,701 kill last week bought forward at the previous week’s prices.

Farmer paysheet returns show that the smaller processors continued to pay the strongest prices for stock, paying an average of 3c/kg (1p/lb) more than the larger processing groups for similar grade animals.

Nearly half of the factories paid at least 283c/kg (101p/lb) for R4L bullocks, with most of the remainder above 280c/kg (100p/lb) below which there were two factories.

West of Ireland processors Jennings, based at Ballinrobe paid a strong 294c/kg (105p/lb) for R4L bullocks — which ironically was slightly higher than the U grade price at the factory — but as they usually target quality cattle at a flat price it is more difficult to compare with the general run.

Donegal Meats paid 290c/kg (103.5p/lb); Ashbourne (Roscrea); Euro Foods (Duleek); AIBP (Clones); Slaney (Bunclody) and Dunbia (Navan), all paid an average of 284c/kg (101.3p/lb) or slightly more. The national average for O4L bullocks was 269c/kg (96.2p/lb).

Heifers maintained a lead of 5c/kg over the bullocks. An average of 288c/kg (almost 103p/lb) was paid for R4L heifers with continued strong demand for the young heifers in particular.

Kepak (Clonee) paid 302c/kg (107.8p/lb); Slaney (Bunclody); Dawn (Waterford); Ashbourne (Roscrea); Euro Foods (Duleek); AIBP (Clones) and Kildare Chilling all paid 292c/kg (104.2p/lb) or above.

A mean of 271c/kg (97p/lb) was paid for O3 heifers. Donegal Meats paid 284c/kg (101.3p/lb) and Euro Foods 281c/kg (100.5p/lb).

Top price for R grade cows was 250c/kg (89.3p/lb) at Moyvalley Meats and Euro Foods. Dunbia (Navan) paid the highest for O/P grade cows at 244-245c/kg (87.3p-87.5p/lb).