Slippage in beef prices confirmed
An increase of 2,200 bullocks, eased the pressure on the factories, and, as predicted, led to the first slip in the average paid for stock since the beginning of the year.
While the drop in the overall average paid for R3 bullocks was marginal at 0.6p/lb - although some factories dropped by up to 2p/lb - the smaller processors were more prominent as the leaders on price as the larger players eased back on their payout.
The three major groups, AIBP, Dawn and Kepak all paid less for R3 bullocks - AIBP and Dawn Groups buying for less than the overall average of 94.2p/lb.
The average fell by 1p/lb at AIBP and less than a half penny/lb at Dawn and Kepak. AIBP paid an average of 93.5p/lb at Waterford - down 1.4p/lb - an average of 93.3p/lb at Cahir - down 3.5p/lb - and an average of 94.4p/lb at Clones, back by 1p/lb.
Prices were also back at Nenagh and unchanged at Bandon. Dawn paid 95p/lb at Waterford, back by 1p/lb at Rathdowney paying an average of 93.5p/lb, and paying a low 92.6p/lb at Charleville. Kepak was unchanged at Clonee and Athleague and back by just over a half penny/lb at Watergrasshill.
Heifer prices were almost similar to the bullocks for R3 at an average of 94.4p/lb. The best average prices were at Kepak (Clonee), Carrigans, Liffeys, Dawn (Ballyhaunis) Newgrange, Bergins and Jennings.
Kepak (Clonee) topped for cows paying over 84p/lb for R4L, and 83p/lb for O4H. Dawn (Ballyhaunis) paid 79p/lb average for P+4L.
