Up to 93p/lb offered for R3 steers
The exception to this general pattern is in the north west, where Donegal Meats have gone well clear of the rest of the field, opening up a prices lead of up to 14 cents/kg (5p/lb), but for R3 steers only.
Donegal is paying 260 cents/kg (93p/lb) for these quality animals, but their price for R4 slips back to 252 cents/kg (90p/lb), which is still 6 cents/kg (2p/lb) ahead of almost every other processor. The general prices on offer are steady for the second consecutive week, at 246 cents/kg (88p/lb) for Rs.
A number of the factories have now resumed quoting for cattle, as supplies of young stock continue to tighten, and in general are offering 252 to 235 cents/kg (88p to 84p/lb) for R and O grades, which is an improvement of 3 cents/kg (1p/lb) for O grade animals.
A minority were still offering 232 cents/kg (83p/lb) for O grade animals this week, but it has become more difficult to get cattle at this price.
Analysis of the first week of mechanical grading has taken precedent over price as a discussion subject among cattle farmers this week, with mixed reaction to the results from the electronic eye which has replaced cattle classification officers at the meat factories.
Most farmers appeared to be reasonably happy this week with the results for heavy, better quality animals. Some were more than pleased with better than expected carcass grades, but a little disappointed with the fat score findings.
But light animals, particularly the light heifer, and poorer quality animals generally, seem to be faring badly, with a big increase in O grade and P grade animals, according to some factory sources who have been closely watching the results.
This has created some heat among suppliers, with demands on factories for more flat pricing. It is still early days for mechanical grading, however, and some minor adjustments to the calibration of the machines may be necessary during the teething stages.
There is a strong trade for cull cows this week, with up to 201 cents/kg (72p/lb) on offer at Slaney Meats, Freshford and Exel Meats at Kilbeggan for the heavy, better quality cow.
Exel Meats are increasing their kill of cows at Kilbeggan, and are in the market for good numbers of all types of cows, from this week. With plenty of competition for cows, farmers with good quality cows to sell are commanding better than quoted prices.
