Heifers breach 90p/lb benchmark

Marts: Factory prices for O grade heifers have breached the 90p/lb benchmark , the trigger point at which producer reaction is likely to be sparked, resisting the latest cut in price.

Six factories paid averages marginally under 90p/lb for O3 grade heifers for last week, official farmer paysheet returns compiled by the Department of Agriculture have confirmed, after the overall national average for O3 heifers fell to 90p/lb for the week. One factory fractionally breached the 90p/lb mark for O3 bullocks after paying an average of 89.7p/lb average for the week, against an overall national average of 91p/lb.

While most factories paid the quoted rates - or slightly better - for cattle last week, the first hint of a breaching of the benchmark of 90p/lb is certain to ignite strong producer reaction against further reductions in price.

The processors paid an a national average of 95p/lb for R3 bullocks last week. Carrigans of Donegal paid the highest average at 99.4p/lb - the only factory paying 99p/lb. Half the processors paid the average of 95p/lb or a little more. AIBP Group paid an average of 94.6p/lb - under the national average - with the heaviest cuts of 1p/lb being recorded at Bandon and Rathkeale and a drop of 0.8p/lb at Cahir.

Carrigans also paid the highest price for O3 bullocks at 95.5p/lb against the national average of 91p/lb.

Prices for R3 heifers averaged 95p/lb, with AIBP at Bandon paying almost 99p/lb average, among the 12 factories which paid 95p/lb average or better. The average for O3 heifers was 90p/lb with a top price of 94p/lb paid by Jennings of Ballinrobe.

Liffeys of Ballyjamesduff dominated the price league for cull cows, paying the top average of 78.6p/lb for R4H grade and 74p/lb average for P+4H cows. Exel at Kilbeggan paid an average of 76p/lb for O4L grade.