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.