Producers ponder cattle price possibilities

SUPPLIES of cattle to the factories have been a little tighter over the past week, and producers are pondering as to whether they can rely on a possible hardening of prices — but it may still be too soon to call it.

The fine weather probably kept a number of producers busy on their farms which led to the tighter supply situation at the factories.

Most of the factories were claiming yesterday that there is a noticeable increase in the supply coming out this week which a few more days will confirm one way or the other. The tighter supply factor has helped in halting the decline and most factories held prices yesterday at last weeks level, which is a welcome change.

There were exceptions, with a reduction of 3c/kg for R grade bullocks and heifers at a minority of factories.

The generally quoted price this week is up to 235c/kg (84p/lb) for R grade and 224c/kg (80p/lb) for O grade. Some factories are offering 3c/kg (1p/lb) less for R grade.

IFA Livestock chairman, Derek Deane said that up to 238c/kg (85p/lb) was being paid for R grade cattle with 232c/kg (83p/lb) on offer for O grade but he agreed that the more common price available is 235c/kg(84p/lb).

He said heavy quality cattle are making more with some producers getting up to 243c/kg (86p/lb) but this is not the run of the mill stuff.

Galtee Meats at Charleville confirmed yesterday they are paying 243c/kg (86p/lb) for quality cattle which are over 400kg and the price applies to both those under and over 30 months if the animals are good enough.

There has been no change of any significance in the pattern of the trade on the continent over the past week with most markets remaining similar to previous weeks and the trade just ticking over.

Around the marts yesterday numbers of cattle on offer were back at most centres probably because of farm work during the fine weather but the trade was either firm or improved for the quality cattle while the prices were easier for the plainer type animals.

John Doyle of Blessington said that single premia bullocks were 30-40/head dearer with the tops making up to 280 over /kg and a general improvement all round.

There was a very solid trade at Bandon Mart where the number on offer was back but the prices remainder very firm.

The forward stores with a premia were an excellent trade making up to 320 over and the young cattle with clean ears made up to 400 over.

The number of heifers on offer was also lower with a brisk trade for all types at up to 100 over.

At Dungarvan Mart there was also a good steady trade but there was pressure on prices for the plainer cattle.

The single-punched bullocks made up to 330 over and beef heifers sold up to 200 over.