Increase in prices for bullocks
Jennings of Ballinrobe paying an average of 104p/lb for O3 bullocks was only a fraction ahead of another western-based processor, Duffy’s of Gort at 103.8p/lb for the same category, an increase of 2p/lb in the top price paid for O grade bullocks in a fortnight.
These prices are indicative of the continued strength of the market for beef, and the effect which the scarcity in supplies is having on returns to producers with 105p/lb being exceeded at Carrigans of Donegal Meats for R3 bullocks last week.
The processors maintain that the prices peaked for the season last week, and with an increase in supply this week the pressure for the higher prices has eased, but it remains to be seen if they have been successful in their attempt to halt the upward spiral.
An average of 102.6p/lb paid for R3 bullocks last week was slightly increased as was the average for O3 grade at 100.6p/lb. One third of the factories paid over 103p/lb average for R3 bullocks for last weeks kill.
AIBP Group paid an average of 102p/lb, paying a factory average of 103.5p/lb at Clones and 103p/lb at Waterford, 102p/lb at Bandon and Cahir and 101p/lb at Nenagh and 100p/lb at Rathkeale. Dawn Group averaged 101.7p/lb, ranging from 102p/lb at Waterford and Ballyhaunis to 101p/lb at Midleton and Rathdowney.
Heifer prices mirrored the bullocks with the average for R3 of 102.8p/lb varying from 105p/lb at Carrigans to the lowest factory average of 101p/lb. Prices for O3 averaged 99.6p/lb.
It was another very strong week for cull cows with Bergins Moyvalley Meats, Co Kildare paying an average of 90.3p/lb for R5 grade, Kepak at Clonee averaging 88p/lb for O3.
