Beef prices trend eases in returns
While overall, averages showed only a very slight decline from the previous week, there was a more pronounced drop in the average prices paid at individual factories where R3 bullocks were down by 3 cents/kg (1p/lb). Heifer prices were 0.5p/lb higher than bullocks for R3, while prices for O3 heifers were a fraction easier than for O3 bullocks on the week.
Supplies continued the upward trend when proportionate allowance was made for the shorter (four day) working week due to the bank holiday, indicating the push to ensure cattle are killed under 30 months.
Factories paid an average of 86.2p/lb for R3 bullocks which was only slightly lower than the previous week, with two-third of the factories paying 86p/lb average or better. Factory average ranged from a top of 91.7p/lb at Carrigans of Donegal to a low of 84.7p/lb at one factory. In addition to Carrigans, Exel at Kilbeggan, Newgrange at Navan, Jennings of Ballinrobe, Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff, and AIBP at Clones were among the best paying processors.
The average paid by the AIBP Group of factories was down by one-third of a penny/lb and the Dawn Meats Group average fell by a half-penny/lb. The average for Kepak Group was unchanged.
Factories paid an average of 82p/lb for O3 bullocks with factory averages ranging from 86.7p/lb to 80.2p/lb.
Meadow Meats, Rathdowney paid the highest average prices for R3 heifers at 91.4p/lb, ahead of Kepak, Clonee at 90.6p/lb. Some of these kills may have included premium price heifers.
Martin Ryan
