Factories stalling price hike

Marts: The rising trend in beef prices at the factories was stalled by the processors last week.

Overall the change in the national average was limited to a drop of 1 cent/kg. A reduction of 0.5p/lb was being applied ahead of the ending of the Over Thirty Months Scheme in Britain, which the industry fears could affect export demand.

The processors paid an average of just over 104p/lb for R4L bullocks and heifers and 102p/lb for O grade.

In contrast to the prime beef, cull cow prices were firm with over 96p/lb being paid for R grade.

Donegal Meats topped the price league for R4L bullocks at an average of 106.7p/lb.

Although the overall average for O4L heifers was similar to the bullocks, there was some variation between the highest and lowest with seven plants paying 105p/lb or better.

For cull cows, Euro Farm Foods paid 96p/lb for Rs, while neighbours Exel Meats paid an average of 91p/lb for Os and 90p/lb for Ps with the latter currently filling a good contract for cow beef which is boosting their buying power.