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.