Factories forced to pay over quoted prices for beef
Official factory prices for the week confirm that the resistance by the producers was successful with improvements in the average price paid for most grades of cattle Cattle supplies for the week were about 25% lower than the same week last year and the same pattern was shown in the number of bullocks included in the kill at 12,940, compared to 16,741 for the corresponding week in 2002.
The average for R3 bullocks was 1p/lb higher and the average for R3 heifers was higher by 0.5p/lb with the pattern on prices somewhat similar for O3 grades in both sexes.
Up to 90p/lb was paid for R3 bullocks and R3 heifers made up to 92p/lb with a strong indication of flat pricing mirrored in the top price for O3 grade at 90p/lb for bullocks and heifers.
Tighter supplies are underpinning the prices and given that supplies continued tight this week the outcome for the week should show the trade being maintained firm or a further slight improvement.
The top prices for R3 bullocks last week were paid by Exel, Kilbeggan, Carrigans of Donegal and Duffy of Gort all paying 90/lb or slightly better on average with AIBP, Waterford, Dawn Meats, Midleton, Newgrange Meats, Navan and AIBP, Rathkeale all paying a fraction under 90p/lb on average.
Exel, Carrigans, and Dawn at Midleton were also among the top payers for O3 bullocks with a shade under 90p/lb being paid by Jennings of Ballinrobe.
Kepak, Clonee paid an average of almost 92p/lb for R3 heifers with Carrigans on just under 91p/lb and Duffys of Gort, Dawn at Midleton, Meadow Meats, Rathdowney, AIBP, Bandon and Exel all paying an average of 90p/lb or a fraction under.
Carrigans, Exel, Jennings, Kepak at Clonee, and Dawn at Midleton were also among the top paying factories for O3 heifers with Kepak at Watergrasshill and Dawn at Ballyhaunis.
Cows were strong last week with up to 61p/lb being paid for O grade
