Processors resist higher beef prices

Marts: Resistance to higher prices by beef processors has tightened, with returns showing two of the largest beef groups in the country paid less than the national average for last week’s intake of R4L bullocks.

A marginal overall increase in the national average paid for bullocks was mainly the result of slightly higher prices at smaller factories, while the national average for heifers was unchanged.

AIBP group held the group average cost of R4L bullocks at the previous week’s level of 105.7p/lb, while Dawn Group paid an average of 105.9p/lb - an increase of 0.2p/lb - both falling short of the national average of 106.4p/lb. On individual factory performances, AIBP at Waterford exceeded the national average by paying 106.7p/lb, while four of the six factories in the AIBP Group paid average varying from 105p/lb to 105.8p/lb. Among Dawn Group, Ballaghadereen paid an average of 107.3p/lb and Meadow Meats just short of 107p/lb, with three of the six Dawn factories paying averages of 105.2p/lb or less. Kepak Group average at 106.6p/lb was slightly over national average.

Bullock intake was back by 1,000 at 14,924 head.

The highest price was 110.8p/lb for U4 bullocks at Slaney Meats.

Donegal Meats topped R4L bullocks at an average of 108.5p/lb. Euro, Dawn (Ballaghadereen) Liffeys and Kepak (Clonee) all paid over 107p/lb. The average for O4L bullocks was 104p/lb.

The national average for R4L heifers at 106.7p/lb and O3 at 103.7p/lb was unchanged from last week.

Ashbourne (Roscrea) took over the lead on cow prices at over 96p/lb for R4H. Dawn (Ballyhaunis) AIBP (Clones) and Newgrange paid over 94p/lb for Os.