Beef price growth slows to a trickle
The slight increase in the average paid for R4L bullocks to just over 105p/lb was more attributable to smaller processors paying better prices for stock than the increase from the major players in the market. The average for R4L heifers was slightly stronger than the bullocks at 105.4p/lb.
The total intake at the factories was down 1,600 head at 32,222 with 1,300 of the decline accounted for by the drop in the supply of bullocks to 14,562 head. The indications are that the supply tightened further this week.
While processors in the south and east did pay more for cattle, it was more difficult to get any significant increase in the midlands and northern regions where higher prices were already in place.
The trade could be entering on a couple of critical weeks in the ongoing price battle between producers and processors.
The margin between Irish and British prices has almost disappeared and reliance for price will depend on market demand in Britain.
Donegal Meats led for bullocks last week at an average of 107.6p/lb. Newgrange, Euro, Kepak (Clonee), Jennings, Moyvalley and Dawn (Waterford) all paid 106p/lb or slightly over average. The national average for O4L bullocks was just shy of 103p/lb.
Donegal paid 108p/lb for R4L heifers, just ahead of Kepak (Clonee), with Slaney and Liffeys at 106p/lb. The average for O3 was 102.7p/lb.
Euro paid a top of 96p/lb for R grade cows.
