Producers call for action as prices tumble further

A FURTHER cut of up to 9 cent/kg (3p/lb) in beef prices inflicted by the processors yesterday has pushed angry producers to breaking point.

Calls came for immediate action as prices at the factories dipped to a seasonal low of 224 cent/kg (80p/lb) for O grade cattle 28 cent/kg (10p/lb) amounting to 100/head under the target price set by producers some weeks ago.

Producers met in Co Laois last night to discuss the situation and decide what course they should pursue to restore prices, which moved closer to free-fall this week even before any build-up of autumn supplies to the factories.

While last week's prices were still being paid at some of the factories yesterday, the majority educed their quotes when they re-opened after the holiday weekend.

Supplies of cattle appeared to have tightened and some producers held back on supplies in resistance to the latest cut in price, but others accepted their fate yesterday, fearful that there may be worse to come Galtee Meats maintained their prices at last week's rates yesterday, paying 241-232 cent/kg (86p-83p/lb) for R/O grade bullocks and heifers. Kepak at Watergrasshill have reduced their

kill for the week to two days and cut their prices to 235-224 cent/kg (84p-80p/lb) for R/O grades.

Dawn Meats at Midleton were not quoting for cattle having sufficient booked in by noon yesterday to supply their requirements for the week.

Fair Oak, Clonmel, quoted 232-227 cent/kg (83p-81p/lb) for R/O grade bullocks and heifers.

There is a little more being secured by suppliers to factories in the midlands and northern areas, but the higher prices are mainly for the top quality cattle at some of the best paying plants.

The one stable sector this week is cow prices. In general 168 cent/kg (58p/lb) is available for cows with an extra 6 cent/kg (2p/lb) for carcasses over 700 lb available at some factories.