Beef prices bottom out for season
The national average for R3 bullocks was unchanged at a fraction under 87p/lb, and prices paid for R3 heifers showed a marginal increase at an average of 87.6p/lb. Some prices paid for O3 bullocks and heifers were stronger than the previous week.
At the upper end of the scale, Carrigans of Donegal continued to lead the field for R3 bullocks paying an average of 91p/lb. Jennings of Ballinrobe averaged 89.6p/lb, with Slaney Meats, Bunclody, Dawn Meats at Midleton, and Kepak at Watergrasshill each paying a shade under 88p/lb factory average. AIBP Group, Dawn Group and Kepak Group paid averages of 86.6p/lb, 86.3p/lb and 86.2p/lb respectively - unchanged.Prices paid for O3 bullocks averaged just over 82p/lb. Jennings of Ballinrobe were well ahead at an average of almost 89p/lb and Carrigans were also strong at 87p/lb.
Heifer prices have gone slightly ahead of the bullocks, indicating tighter supplies. Kepak at Clonee paid an average of 92.6p/lb for R3 heifers, but allowance should be made for the mix of premium price contract heifers in the kill. Carrigans, Dawn Meats at Waterford, and Jennings were all on averages of 89p/lb. In all 13 factories paid averages of 88p/lb or better.
Prices for O3 heifers averaged just under 82p/lb.
The best price was paid at Jennings where they averaged 88p/lb well ahead of the nearest rivals, Kepak plants at Watergrasshill and Clonee both of which paid an average of 84p/lb
Prices for good cull cows are continuing strong. Ashbourne Meats, Roscrea paid an average of 76p/lb for R4L cows.
