Big improvement in bullock prices
As the scarcity of cattle had its biggest weekly impact of 2004, the prices paid by the factories for R3 bullocks averaged a shade under 93p/lb, with individual factories paying up to 96p/lb to get their requirement of cattle in very short supply. The margin of increase in heifer prices was 0.6p/lb more than the previous week, but sufficient to bring them to par with the bullocks.
Last week's farmer pay sheet returns from the factories maintained the record of consistent prices for stock which has ruled since the beginning of the year, the first time in several years that there has been no easing in beef prices over the opening six weeks of the year.
AIBP Group paid an average of 1.5p/lb more than the previous week for R3 bullocks, with the improvement across the six factories ranging from 2p/lb at Cahir to 1p/lb at Bandon and Nenagh. Dawn Group also paid an average of 1.5p/lb more for R3 bullocks, with supplies to Midleton costing an average of 2p/lb more and 1p/lb more at Waterford and Ballyhaunis. The average of 93.4p/lb paid at Midleton was almost 4.5p/lb over the quoted price for the week.
Average prices at the Kepak Group also improved by 1.5p/lb with Athleague showing the biggest increase at 2p/lb more. Almost 91p/lb average was paid for O3 bullocks. R3 heifers averaged 92.7p/lb with a top factory average of 95p/lb.
