Factories pay average of 1p/lb more for beef

Marts: Beef prices paid by the factories improved by an average of 1p/lb last week, an increase of more than 1.5p/lb recorded at individual factories for both bullocks and heifers.

The supply of bullocks was down 2,600 head on the previous week, as producers waited for the completion of retention, with the tighter supply having a big influence in achieving the higher prices at the factories.

The national average for R3 bullocks increased by 1p/lb to 88.5p/lb. Carrigans were the leaders in the field, paying an average of just over 93p/lb. Duffy’s of Gort and Newgrange Meats at Navan both paid an average of 90p/lb. AIBP factories at Nenagh and Cahir, Liffey Meats at Ballyjamesduff and Exel Meats at Kilbeggan all paid between 89.3p/lb and 89.6p/lb.