Wide margin in cow prices

Marts: There was no movement in the average price paid for R grade bullocks and heifers at the factories last week, while a margin of 40c/kg (14p/lb) opened up between factories for cull cows as prices came under downward pressure.

Factory averages for the quality R grade cull cows ranged between 98p/lb and 84p/lb, with differences of 9p/lb between factories for O grade and P grade animals.

Prices were unchanged at Euro Farm Foods at Duleek, Co Meath, the clear leaders on price for the week, paying an average of 97p/lb for R4L, 89p/lb for O4L and 88p/lb for P+4L grades. Most factories cut prices with returns to suppliers from some processors falling from the recent high.