Prices’ soft landing continues
Official pay sheet prices from the processors for last week show the gradual slight easing pattern of recent weeks continued right up to the weekend ahead of the heavier reductions in quoted prices which the processors announced last Monday.
The reduction in the average paid for R grade cattle last week was less than 0.5p/lb and it remains to be confirmed if the drop of more than double that level of cut, announced this week, will take full effect as the weekly supply of bullocks exceed the peak of autumn 2002.
The average for R3 bullocks slipped under 86p/lb last week. Nearly half the processors paid an average of better than 86p/lb. Carrigans of Donegal were the tops at 89.4p/lb. Meadow Meats, Rathdowney, Dawn Meats at Waterford, and Newgrange Meats at Navan all paid over 87p/lb average. Two factories paid an average of less than 85p/lb. The average for O3 bullocks was 81.7p/lb, prices ranging from 86.3p/lb to 80p/lb.
Heifer prices continued a lead of 1p/lb over the bullocks with an overall average of 86.7p/lb. AIBP, Clones paid an average 91.4p/lb - which probably included a mix of under 12 months’ heifers, for which a premium price was paid.
Kepak at Clonee recorded an average of over 90p/lb. Carrigans of Donegal, Meadow Meats at Rathdowney, AIBP plants at Nenagh and Waterford, and Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff all paid over the average.
AIBP at Clones were the strongest buyers for cull cows last week paying the highest average for both R and O grades at 69p/lb for R5 and 71p/lb for O5 grade.
Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff paid highest for P grade at 67.6p/lb average.
