Increases depend on factory location as prices for beef harden

Marts: There was a slightly harder tone to the prices at the factories for beef last week, but the margin of increased return was selective and light, very much dependent on location.

The brightest spot was reserved for cull cows with up to 74.5p/lb factory average being paid for R grades, an improvement of more than 1p/lb.

Overall prices paid for bullocks and heifers remained stable, but any movement for individual grades or at individual factories were upwards.

The average price paid for R3 bullocks was a shade over 90p/lb. Eight factories paid an average of more than 92p/lb and half the factories paid an average of 91p/lb or better, but two factories secured their requirements for an average of less than 90p/lb with one of them paying an average of 88.6p/lb - probably for over 30 months cattle.

Carrigans of Donegal Meats paid almost 95p/lb average, Dawn Meats at Waterford and Liffey Meats at Ballyjamesduff paying almost 93p/lb average, and AIBP, Clones, Duffy's of Gort, Exel at Kilbeggan, Newgrange Meats at Navan and Slaney Meats at Bunclody all paid an average of over 92p/lb.

The strong average price of almost 92p/lb paid by AIBP at Nenagh the previous week dropped by 1p/lb to fall in line with the average last week. Prices were stable, or a fraction stronger at the other factories in the group. Prices were unchanged at Dawn Group and Kepak Group.

The average for O3 bullocks was 89.3p/lb, ranging 92p/lb to 87p/lb.

R3 heifer prices averaged 91.4p/lb with a top of 93.4p/lb and O3 prices averaged 88.2p/lb.

Kildare Chilling and AIBP at Clones paid the highest price for cull cows at 74.5p/lb for R4H. Fair Oak, Clonmel paid the highest price for O grade at 73p/lb a fraction stronger than Kildare Chilling, Meadow Meats at Rathdowney and Ashbourne Meats at Roscrea.