Higher prices for smaller supplies of beef last week
The kill for the week was light, and the factories paid more to get out sufficient cattle.
But unlike the start of 2002, the higher prices do not appear to have carried over to the trade this week, as more cattle became available to the processors.
Producers received the early December prices for supplies last week when an average of almost 90p/lb was paid for R3 heifers - and more by the top-paying factories - and R3 bullocks averaged 87p/lb, with some factories paying up to 90p/lb.
The kill for the week was 17,859 head, down 2,000 head on the same week last year, and the steers accounted for 8,389, which was slightly lower than last year.
The AIBP group paid strong prices across their factories for R3 bullocks with the factory averages ranging from 90p/lb at Bandon to almost the same price at Cahir and averages of over 88p/lb at Nenagh and Waterford, with the remaining factories coming in close behind.
Dawn paid an average of 89p/lb at Midleton and a fraction under 88p/lb at Ballaghadereen and Waterford for the R3 Bullocks, with a similar price being averaged at Kepak at Watergrasshill.
The average of all factories was 87p/lb, with prices ranging from 90p/lb to 80p/lb which was clearly for over-age cattle. The cow trade was sharper all round with prices improved by up to 5p/lb, a trend which has continued in the trade for this week, as demand remains strong. The highest average was paid by Dawn Meats, Waterford at 62p/lb for 04 grade cows.
Fair Oak at Bagenalstown paid a strong price of over 60p/lb for O5 grade and Liffey Meats at Ballyjamesduff were also strong on price for O grade cows.
There is an improvement in the market for cows and good cows in particular are in keen demand.
