Slight drop in prices for cull cows

Cull cow prices slipped slightly at the factories this week, but strong competition between processors for cows and tighter supplies maintains a firm base under the trade.

The top price last week was over 92p/lb for R3 grade at Euro Farm Foods, Duleek, Co Meath, who have become trend-setters for cows since they came into the market in recent months, leading to more competition for cull cows and a very strong trade for the year to date. Euro Farm Foods are mainly interested in heavy quality cows and they have become consistent price leaders for these type of animals, paying an average of 5 cent/kg (2p/lb) over Liffey Meats for R grade carcasses, with Dawn Meats at Ballyhaunis just fractionally in third place.

Kepak at Clonee paid the highest factory average for O4 grade last week at 90p/lb, with prices for the same grade varying back to 84.5p/lb at the other contenders. The margin was wider for P grade.