Producers optimism on price

Marts: There was a slight drop in the average price paid for beef by the factories — but the overall change was marginal — for a reduced kill last week.

The average price paid for R grade bullocks dropped by 1c/kg, while R grade heifers gained 1c/kg and prices for O grade heifers slipped by 3c/kg — overall a significant improvement for producers on the trend of the previous week, raising optimism that the downward pressure on prices by the processors has bottomed out. The outcome for the week has raised confidence that tighter supplies are set to deliver stronger returns and the balance of control over prices is back on the side of the producers.

Donegal Meats paid an average of 350c/kg (125p/lb) for U grade bullocks — down 6c/kg (2p/lb) on the previous week at the plant — with Slaney Meats, and AIBP (Clones and Nenagh) also paying 350c/kg. Donegal were also leaders on price for U grade heifers at 355c/kg (126.7p/lb) — up 3c/kg (1p/lb) on the previous week.