Beef prices continue to rise

Marts: Although the intake at the factories increased by over 5,000 head, it was not sufficient to damped the upward trend in prices which gained a further 2-4 cents/kg (1p/lb) on last week’s kill at the processors.

The increase pushed the average for R4L bullocks over 92p/lb and similar grade heifers to an average of 93.5p/lb, while O4L grade heifers and bullocks bordered on an average of 90p/lb.

Prices are strongest by a margin of up to 2p/lb in the upper half of the country, with the trade being led by processors in counties Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Meath and Kildare at factory averages of 93p-94p/lb and up to 97p/lb in Donegal being paid for R4L bullocks last week.

Group average at AIBP increased by 1p/lb to 92p/lb with a difference of up to 3p/lb between factories for similar grade animals. The AIBP plant at Clones paid an average of 94p/lb for R4L bullocks, while similar cattle cost the company plants at Cahir, Bandon and Rathkeale an average of just over 91p/lb.

Dawn group paid almost 94p/lb average at Ballaghadereen and just over 92p/lb average at Rathdowney and Ballyhaunis and Kepak paid an average of 92p/lb at Watergrasshill and 94p/lb at Clonee.

Heifer prices were generally stronger than the bullocks by 1p-1.5p/lb for R4L. Kepak at Clonee led on almost 102p/lb, Donegal Meats paying over 96p/lb, Meadow at Rathdowney and Slaney Meats, Bunclody on 95.3p/lb and Exel at Kilbeggan, Dawn at Ballaghadereen and Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff all on just under 95p/lb average.

Almost 85p/lb was paid for R grade cull cows at Euro Farm Foods.