Cow prices on seasonal high
The strong trade for cows, which has been consistent for several weeks, peaked during last week, with an average of 75p/lb (incl Vat) being paid to producers for R grade carcasses at Meadow Meats, Rathdowney, the highest factory average for the year to date.
Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff paid an average of 72p/lb for R grade cows. The highest price for O grade was 71p/lb at Meadow Meats and Fair Oak, Bagenalstown paid the top price for P grade at 68p/lb for P+4L. The weekly kill is currently running at around 5.500 head which is slightly higher than last year.
The factory pay sheet returns for last week have also confirmed that factories paid an average of 3 cents/kg 1p/lb more for R/O grade bullocks and heifers as the gradual improvement in prices continued with tightening in supplies.
R3 bullocks made an average of just over 86p/lb within a price variation of 89p/lb to 84p/lb. AIBP, Clones paid the highest factory average at 89p/lb - a price which shows an increase in the factory average of 3p/lb and may have included some premium prices young stock in the monitor selection - while Exel, Kilbeggan were almost at 88p/lb average ahead of Dawn at Midleton paying an average of over 87p/lb.
The overall average for O grade bullocks was just over 82p/lb. R3 heifers averaged almost similar to the bullocks at 86.4p/lb topped by Dawn, Ballyhaunis paying an average of 89.5p/lb, and Kepak, Clonee averaging 89.2p/lb - both probably carrying through some benefit of premium prices.
Martin Ryan
