Strong supply of beef hit prices
For the first time in more than two months the national average paid for R4L bullocks and heifers slipped below 105p/lb - an average of 104.8p/lb being paid for bullocks and 104.9p/lb for heifers - with reductions of up to 1p/lb in the average for R4L bullocks at individual factories.
The pressure on price came as the intake of bullocks exceeded the same week last year by more than 2,800 head at 11,847 head compared to 9,008 for the corresponding week in 2004. Factory averages for R4L bullocks varied between 106.8p/lb at Euro Farm Foods, Duleek, Co Meath, and at Donegal Meats and 102.3p/lb (all VAT inclusive) at AIBP at Cahir, Co Tipperary. There was no R4L bullock price reported for AIBP at Bandon, but the average paid for R3 bullocks was 101p/lb. In all, just over one in three of the factories paid an average of 105p/lb or better.
AIBP at Nenagh and Liffey Meats at Ballyjamesduff paid averages of 105.5p/lb, AIBP at Clones paying 105.4p/lb and Dawn Meats, Ballaghadereen, and Moyvalley Meats, Co Kildare, on 105.2p/lb.
The average for O4L bullocks slipped to just over 101p/lb with a top price of 104p/lb at Jennings of Ballinrobe.
Prices for R4L heifers were broadly similar to the bullocks - 104.9p/lb. The average for O4L heifers was 101.5p/lb.
The drop in cull cow prices was reflected across the board. Euro Farm Foods continued to pay the highest price at an average of 92p/lb for R4 grade and over 86p/lb for O5 - Liffey Meats paying an average of over 85p/lb for P+4 grade. O grade dropped to an average of 77p/lb at some of the processors and P grade to an average of 70p/lb.
