Bullock prices continue to slip

The slippage in bullock prices continued at the factories last week, knocking a further 3c/kg (1p/lb) off the overall factory average, while heifer prices held firmer with averages unchanged from the previous week.

Bullock prices fell to an overall average of 238c/kg (85p/lb) within a range of 245-232c/kg (88p-83p/lb) for R3 grade.

Carrigans of Donegal paid the highest factory average at 87.65p/lb followed by the Dawn plants at Waterford, Ballyhaunis, and Ballaghadereen, all paying an average of 86p/lb or slightly better at AIBP at Cahir, Honeyclover, at Freshford, and Dawn at Midleton coming in just under 86p/lb.

Within the three major factory groups, R3 bullock price averages were back less than 1p/lb at AIBP and Dawn and slightly more than 1p/lb at Kepak.

The pattern for O3 bullocks was similar ranging 236-222c/kg (84p-79p/lb) with an average of 227 c/kg (81p/lb). The average for heifer prices was unchanged for R3 at 241 cents/kg (86p/lb) and for O3 at 224 cents/kg (80p/lb).

Meadow Meats, Rathdowney paid the highest average for R3 heifers at 91.5p/lb ahead of Kepak, Clonee at 89p/lb, Dawn at Ballyhaunis, AIBP at Nenagh, Liffey Meats, at Ballyjamesduff, AIBP at Waterford, and Carrigans of Donegal all paying 87p/lb or better.

There was little change in prices for cows at the top.

Dawn, Ballaghadereen paid the highest overall price at 68.7p/lb for R4L grade, with Kildare Chilling paying the highest O grade price at 67.6p/lb and Fair Oak, Bagenalstown the highest P grade price at 65.9p/lb.