Prices higher as producers hold out

Marts: Factories paid 5c-7c/kg (2p/lb) more for cattle, under pressure to get sufficient stock last week, as producers held out for higher returns before parting with animals.

The higher prices did result in bringing out more animals with intake at 29,249 head showing an increase of about 300.

Within that kill the supply of bullocks was 900 head higher than the previous week in response to prices of up to 341c/kg (121p/lb) paid for U grade bullocks at Slaney Meats and 335c/kg (119.6p/lb) for Rs at Euro Foods — the highest paid for beef animals in several years.

The higher prices were paid by the smaller operators in the processing sector, with the group averages for R4L bullocks purchased by AIBP, Dawn and Kepak Groups all below the national average of 330c/kg (118p/lb).

Leading the field for the R4L bullocks was Euro Foods and Donegal Meats paying an average of 335c/kg (119.6p/lb), fractionally ahead of Moyvalley (Kildare) and Liffey’s (Ballyjamesduff).

Kildare paid 333c/kg and Ashbourne Meats and AIBP (Waterford) each paying 332c/kg. Prices for O4L bullocks averaged 322c/kg (115p/lb) while Donegal Meats paid an average of 331c/kg (118.4p/lb).

Heifer prices maintained a lead on the bullocks. Slaney Meats paid 344c/kg (123p/lb) for U grade and Kepak (Clonee) and Slaney Meats paying 337c/kg (120.5p/lb) led for R4L heifers. AIBP (Waterford) and Moyvalley were 1c/kg lower at 336c/kg and Euro, AIBP (Clones) and Kepak (Athleague) each paid 335c/kg. An average of 323c/kg (115.6p/lb) for O3 heifers with Dawn (Ballaghadereen) paying the highest at 333c/kg (119p/lb).

Prices were steady for the quality cows — R’s making up to 291c/kg (104p/lb) — but gains were made by O/P grades. Kildare Chilling paid an average of 289c/kg (103p/lb) for P’s and neighbouring Moyvalley Meats and Kepak (Kilbeggan) were strong contenders for O grade at 284c/kg (101.6p/lb).