Bullock prices continue to decline
A few factories paid marginally more for bullocks, while the average dropped by 0.5p/lb, and a majority of the factories paid between 0.5p/lb and 1p/lb less than the previous week, according to the farmer pay sheet returns.
Fifteen factories paid an average of 94p/lb or slightly better for R3 bullocks, compared to 20 factories paying over 94p/lb the previous week, almost all of the balance paying between 93p/lb and 94p/lb.
A top factory average of 98p/lb was paid by Carrigans of Donegal, well clear of the next highest, Jennings of Ballinrobe at an average of 94.8p/lb and Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff, AIBP at Clones, Newgrange Meats at Navan, Duffys of Gort and AIBP at Cahir all paying an average of between 94.6p/lb and 94.3p/lb.
Of special interest was the price paid for O grade cattle, the focus point of the farmer protest in Co Roscommon during the week.
Eighteen factories maintained the average for O3 bullocks at 90p/lb or slightly higher, against an overall national average of 90p/lb.
AIBP at Waterford and Slaney Meats at Freshford were marginally under 90p/lb average while Kepak at Athleague, AIBP at Bandon, Meadow Meats at Rathdowney and Charleville Foods at Charleville paid factory average of between 89.2p/lb and 89.4p/lb.
The top price for R3 heifers was 97p/lb at Carrigans, followed by AIBP at Bandon Kepak At Clonee paying an average of 96.6p/lb and AIBP at Clones paying 95.2p/lb. The overall average paid for O3 heifers was 89.6p/lb.
Liffey Meats at Ballyjamesduff dominated on cow prices.
