Cattle price tightens on supply lag

Marts: With signs that the supply of cattle has begun to tighten, in some regions of the country at least, there were indications of a corresponding hardening in prices at the factories yesterday.

Last week’s kill at the factories amounting to around 39,500 head was similar to the previous week with the supply of bullocks remaining strong at 19,600 head.

Yesterday, some of the processors were finding the supply a bit tighter, while others appeared to satisfied that the intake for the week will hold up.

Within that overall situation the consensus appears to be that the under 30 months bullocks and under 24 months heifers are not as plentiful — and suppliers are in a strong position to deal for higher prices — but there is very little such pressure in sourcing the overage stock yet.

Official quotes have move slightly with gains of 3c/kg (1p/lb) in prices being offered for stock. Underage bullocks are making 286-289c/kg (102p-103p/lb) for Rs and up to 274c/kg (98p/lb) for O grade.

Slaney Meats are quoting 297c/kg (106p/lb) for young R grade heifers and Kepak at Kilbeggan are offering 288c/kg (104p/lb) with strong competition for the young heifers being pushed in the midlands by Euro Farm Foods at Duleek, where at least 297c/kg (106p/lb) can be commanded for quality young Rs. The older heifers are ranging closer to the bullock prices.

The trade in Britain has been quiet over the past week but the demand for forequarter beef is continuing to show slow improvement.

Cow prices are holding up well at a base of 235-224c/kg (84p-80p/lb) offered for O/P grades — a little more being paid — and upwards of 252c/kg (90p/lb) for quality Rs.