Beef heifer prices remain strong

Beef heifers stayed firm at the factories, with improved prices for quality stock, in last week’s kill at the processing centres, while bullock prices were generally easier.

Factory pay-sheet returns showed the average for R3 heifers was improved by up to 1p/lb, but the average for O3 grade was slightly less than the previous week. Prices for R3 bullocks was weaker by 0.5p/lb on average with the average for O3 bullocks back by upto 1p/lb.

The larger processing groups are a good barometer of the trade and all three paid lower average prices last week for R3 bullocks. Dawn plants were down an average of 1p/lb, with AIBP and Kepak Group both paying around 0.5p/lb less than the previous week.

Nevertheless the average for R3 bullocks at 242 c/kg (86.6p/lb) was just ahead of the quoted prices for the week at most factories.

Carrigans of Donegal Meats led with an average of 255c/kg (991p/lb). Seven factories Newgrange Meats; Slaney Meats; AIBP; Clones; Liffey Meats; Exel; Jennings and Bergins all paid 244-245c/kg (87.1p-87.6p/lb).

The average price for O3 grade bullocks was a shade under 83p/lb.

The mean for R3 heifers was 245c/kg (87.5p/lb) against a top price of under 91p/lb at Carrigans and 89p/lb or better average paid by Kepak, Clonee and Watergrasshill; At AIBP Clones and Waterford, Liffey Meats and Meadow Meats the average for O3 was 82p/lb.

Bergins Moyvalley Meats in Co Kildare dominated on prices for cull cows paying a strong 73.4p/lb average for R4L and averaging 69.8p/lb for O5.

Fair Oak at Clonmel paid the highest average for P grade at an average of 68p/lb for P+4H.