Largest cut this year for beef prices

Marts: Beef prices have experienced the largest cut in returns in the year to date with up to 10c/kg (4p/lb) wiped off returns to producers who supplied stock to the factories in the past week.

Despite a slight decline in intake at the factories, the sharp downturn in prices was effective across all categories with few exceptions, but analysis shows that the larger operators in the beef processing industry are bringing prices back at a faster rate and the margin between factories has widened to 35c/kg (12p/lb) for O3 heifers.

Of the three major processing groups, AIBP, Dawn and Kepak who between them operate 15 factories, only four plants paid the average for R4L bullocks in last week’s kill which was 347c/kg (124p/lb), a drop of 7c/kg.

Donegal Meats — although paying reduced prices — dominated as price leaders over their nearest rivals by paying up to 24c/kg (9p/lb) above the national average and up to 35c/kg (12p/lb) more than the worst paying plants.

Against a national average for R4L bullocks of 347c/kg (124p/lb) Donegal led at 361c/kg (129p/lb) followed by Kepak (Clonee), Ashbourne, Liffey Meats (Ballyjamesduff), AIBP (Waterford and Clones) and Dunbia Newgrange.

The national average for O4L bullocks was 334c/kg (119p/lb) with a top price of 353c/kg (126p/lb).

Heifer prices maintained a lead of 3c/kg (1p/lb) over the bullocks at an average of 350c/kg (125p/lb) for R4L. The top price was 363c/kg (129p/lb) at Donegal followed by Kepak (Clonee and Watergrass-hill) Ashbourne, Jennings, Liffeys and Dawn (Midleton).

The national average for O3 heifers was 335c/kg (120p/lb). The highest price paid was 359c/kg (128p/lb) and the lowest 324c/kg (116p/lb).

Cow prices were close to stable. Ashbourne paid 328c/kg (117p/lb) for Rs, Donegal leading for O grade at 314c/kg (112p/lb) and Liffeys holding a slight edge for P grade at 297c/kg (106p/lb) over Slaney, Kildare and Dunbia.