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.

The drop in supplies which led to the recovery in prices has dented any immediate prospects for the factories of cheaper cattle.

AIBP Group increased their prices for R3 bullocks by an average of 0.5p/lb with an improvement of 1.4p/lb recorded at the Rathkeale plant. Prices increased by an average of 0.7p/lb at the Dawn Meats Group and were unchanged at Kepak plants at Watergrasshill and Athleague.

The overall average paid for R3 bullocks and heifers was 94p/lb. Among those paying above the average were Liffey Meats, Ballyjamesduff, AIBP, Clones, Kildare Chilling, Kildare, Bergins Moyvalley Meats, Co Kildare, Exel Meats, Kilbeggan and Dawn Meats at Waterford. The average for O3 bullocks was 91.4p/lb.

Against an overall average of 94p/lb for all factories, Carrigans paid a top price of almost 97p/lb for R3 heifers, followed by Meadow Meats, Rathdowney at 96p/lb, Liffeys of Ballyjamesduff at 95.4p/lb and Slaney Meats, Bunclody, AIBP, Clones, Bergins Moyvalley Meats, Co Kildare and Jennings of Ballinrobe each paying an average of 94.6p/lb. The average for O3 heifers was 91p/lb.