Stronger supply of cattle at factories
Cattle supplies were stronger across the country, with some of the early 2003-born bullocks out of retention and being slaughtered to avail of the €80/head slaughter premia.
Up to 252 cent/kg (90p/lb) was being offered in the midlands for R grade animals, with factories in the east and south paying 88p-89p/lb. Up to 85p/lb was on offer for O grade, but that was the exception rather than the rule with the general run of 83p/lb, a slippage of 3 cent/kg (1p/lb) from last week for the poorer grading animals.
Prices for R grade animals held steady at the factories in the midlands, south and east, but the increase in supply for the second half of last week and the strong bookings for the this week has undermined prospects of further price recovery in the short term. Prices are stronger in the north west for quality cattle.
The expectation is that supplies will continue strong for the next few weeks which will supply the Christmas orders for the processors without pressure to pay more. The number of bullocks coming out of retention will continue to increase as February 2003-born animals become available for sale in December. Factories are receiving enquiries for bookings of cattle for early December with a push by producers to get the last of the Slaughter Premia before it ends on December 31.
The trade for cull cows is very strong this week. There is up to 207 cent/kg (74p/lb) being quoted for good cows at Exel, Kilbeggan and Newgrange, at Navan with demand for all types of cows at these factories. Slaney Meats are quoting up to 201 cent/kg (72p/lb) for cows for their Freshford factory.
