Average price for beef increases

Marts: The average price for beef has increased by 5-6c/kg (2p/lb) setting a new record as competition between the processors for stock delivers higher returns to producers on a total kill of 28,099 — incl bullocks at 9,949.

Some Munster-based factories continued to hold a position among the leaders, although their dominance of the previous week as price leaders has again been undermined by the pressure on up country plant to get stock which forced higher prices.

The top price for U grade bullocks increased to 366c/kg (130.7p/lb) which was paid by Donegal Meats which barely edged ahead of Slaney Meats and AIBP (Waterford) both equally strong contenders. Kepak (Clonee) took the lead for U grade heifers at 364c/kg (130p/lb) by a whisker over AIBP (Waterford and Cahir), Kepak (Clonee), Meadow Meats, Dunbia and Euro Goods.

Donegal Meats took the lead for R4L bullocks at 363c/kg (129.6p/lb) with Moyvalley Meats, Euro Foods, AIBP (Clones and Waterford) and Kepak (Watergrasshill and Clonee) each paying between 358c/kg and 360c/kg (128p/lb). The national average was 355c/kg (almost 127p/lb). The processors paid a national average of 345c/kg (124p/lb) for O4L bullocks with a top price of 353c/kg (126p/lb) paid at Jennings at Ballinrobe.

AIBP (Waterford) and Kepak (Clonee) shared the lead for R4L heifers at 362c/kg (129p/lb), 1c/kg stronger than Dunbia, Euro Foods and Ashbourne Meats, against a national average of 356c/kg (127.4p/lb). The top price for 03 heifers was 357c/kg (127.5p/lb) paid by Jennings which was just ahead of Dunbia, Kepak (Watergrasshill), Donegal Meats and AIBP (Waterford). The overall average paid for O3 heifers was 345c/kg (123.4p/lb).

Gains of up to 16c/kg (6p/lb) were for the quality heavy cows. Donegal Meats paid a record 334c/kg (119p/lb) for R grade cows. Dunbia, Liffeys, Kepak (Kilbeggan), and AIBP (Bandon) competed for O/P grades at 309c/kg (110p/lb).