Beef prices continue to hold firm
There appeared to be a wider variation in the prices available for beef yesterday, dependent on location. In the northern regions of the country competition for supply remained very strong with some producers being offered up to 102p-103p/lb for mixes of U/R cattle.
Across the south R's were generally quoted at 95p/lb with a bit more being paid dependent on supply and demand, but with a general report of more cattle being available there was a slight easing of pressure on the processors to increase prices further to get cattle. In the east of the country, Slaney Meats were quoting 97p/lb and paying at least 1p/lb more for good cattle.
The quoted prices for O's ranged 94p-93p/lb. There has been an increase in the kill at the factories with a throughput of 31,681 head last week up from 28,160 head the previous week. The bullock supply last week was 17,302, compared to 16,086 for the previous week and supply is now running on par with the corresponding week last year.
Approaching May Day it is coming to the end of the season for cattle in the sheds, which will be moved out to the factories unless it is planned to put a months grass into them in expectation of a premium price by the end of May, which could be a winner if supplies tighten.
It looks like a season that beef prices will hit a peak about the third week of May into mid-June at least and the very strong trade for heavy punched out cattle, being purchased at up to €350 over e/kg in recent weeks, which have probably gone to grass for a few weeks, are likely targeted for this market, the return from which will be very much dependent on supply.
