Supply variation worth 12 cent/kg

MOST of this week’s beef supplies for the factories were bought at prices unchanged from last week.

But there is more than a hint from the processors that prices are coming under pressure and they are giving no forward price commitments.

The general run of prices at the factories on Tuesday were 238 and back to 227 cents/kg (85p to 81p/lb) for R/O grade steers and heifers across the southern half of the country. As in previous weeks, supplies in the midlands are making 3 to 6 cents/kg (1p-2p/lb) more and in the north west, up to 250 cents/kg (89p/lb) continues on offer for R3 steers.

Due to the bank holiday on Monday, some of this week’s kill was bought forward at last week’s prices.

And with supplies increasing more in the south than up country, both Galtee Meats at Charleville and Dawn Meats at Midleton had almost their full requirements for the week by lunch time on Tuesday.

The supply situation was not quite as strong at Fair Oak, Clonmel or the Kepak factory at Watergrasshill and, moving up the country, supplies were lighter.

Although the pressure of the third census date, which has been set for July 20, is no longer a problem, producers are very conscious of the 30 month age factor.

It is affecting the market in the southern dairying counties, where February calvings are about three times the level of January.

February 2001 registered animals are reaching the 30 month mark in the coming days and weeks.

Presently, there is no difference in price for under or over 30 months animals, because the over-age cattle are no more than a trickle, but that state of affairs may not continue, if the numbers of older cattle increase.

There is, however, a penalty of €20/head on all over 30 month animals at the factories for obligatory BSE testing.

Trade for cows has eased slightly this week, with prices ranging from 179 back to 168 cents/kg (64p to 60p/lb), and supplies continuing strong with the weekly kill staying 15 or 20% ahead of the corresponding weeks in 2002.

In the marts, there is a very strong store trade, particularly for the quality animals.

Up to €450 over was paid this week at Kilmallock Mart for choice, single punched continental bullocks, and the best of the weanling bulls made up to €500 over €1/kg.