Factory bullock prices strengthen

A top factory price of 99p/lb was paid for R grade bullocks as prices across the country strengthened at the factories, following the dip in supplies last week.

The factory average of 99p/lb paid by Carrigans of Donegal for their intake of R3 bullocks probably included some 12 month old beef at premium prices, which lifted the overall average to a seasonal high at the factory for the year to date.

The overall average paid by the processors for R3 beef animals last week was up almost 0.5p/lb as supplies slipped back for the second consecutive week increasing the pressure on the factories to get sufficient cattle to fill their orders.