Further gains in beef prices

Marts: The upward trend in beef prices is continuing, adding a further 3c-4c/kg to the average being paid for stock by the factories.

Up to 348c/kg (124p/lb) was paid for R4L bullocks for last week’s kill at the processors and a top price of 350c/kg (125p/lb) was paid for similar grade heifers, while up to 355c/kg (127p/lb) was paid for U grade bullocks — the highest ever paid to Irish beef producers — and cow prices maintained previous gains.

Intake at the factories was 4,000 head higher at 31,101, within 900 of the same week last year. The supply of bullocks was up 2,300 at 14,448, within 700 of the corresponding week in 2007.