Prices improve for R3 bullocks

Marts: Thirteen factories paid an average of 99p/lb or better for their supply of R3 bullocks last week, of which three topped the 100p/lb, as prices overall improved by a further 0.5p/lb.

Although the pace of increase has slowed in recent weeks, producers are continuing to squeeze more out of the industry in return for supplies of cattle which are remaining very tight as the last of the shed cattle are sold off, and new season supplies from grass are still a few weeks away.

A top price of almost 103p/lb factory average was paid by Carrigans for R3 bullocks, while Liffey Meats at Ballyjamesduff and Duffy's of Gort both paid over 100p/lb average with a further 10 factories paying between 99p/lb and 100p/lb mean Bergins of Co Kildare; Exel Meats, Kilbeggan; Newgrange Meats, Navan; Kildare Chilling, Kildare; AIBP at Clones; Jennings of Ballinrobe; Dawn Meats at Waterford and Ballagh- adereen, and Kepak plants at Clonee and Athleague.