Heifer prices up by 4c/kg

Marts: Heifer prices increased by an average of 4c/kg (1.3p/lb) at the factories over the past week.

A strong supply of cattle to the processing plants has continued to undermine the prices paid for stock. Total kill was 39,608 head, bullocks accounting for 17,861 and heifers amounting to 10,162.

The average paid for R4L heifers for last week’s kill increased to 292c/kg (104p/lb) with a top price of 305c/kg (109p/lb) at Kepak (Clonee) which includes the bonus payment to suppliers of contract stock.

AIBP (Cahir) paid an average of 300c/kg (107p/lb) and sister plant at Waterford paid an average of 298c/kg (106,6p/lb) with Jennings (Ballinrobe), Dawn (Waterford), AIBP (Clones, and Moyvalley Meats (Kildare) all paying 296-295c/kg (over 105p/lb). The overall average for O3 heifers was 276c/kg (98.7p/lb)

Gains in bullock prices were limited to 1c/kg for R4L bullocks, with prices for O4L bullocks unchanged. An average of 284c/kg (101.6p/lb) was paid for R4L bullocks. The highest individual factory price was 290c/kg (103.6p/lb) at Donegal Meats, holding a slight edge over AIBP (Waterford), with AIBP (Bandon), Dunbia (Newgrange) and Jennings (Ballinrobe) each paying an average of 286c/kg (102p/lb). Liffeys (Ballyjamesduff and Hacketstown) paid 285c/kg. The average for O4L was 276c/kg (98.7p/lb). Jennings paid 287c/kg and Donegal Meats paid 281c/kg (100.3p/lb).

Donegal Meats was a strong contender for the cows paying 256c/kg (91.6p/lb) for R grade cows. Dunbia paid the highest price for O grade at 242c/kg (86p/lb) and Dawn (Waterford) paid an average of 243c/kg (86.8p/lb) for P+3 grade.