Who pays the best price for your cattle? The Irish Farmers Journal beef factory leagues reveal what has been paid for cattle over the past 12 months. Prices in some grades differ between factories by €100 per animal.

  • ABP dominates the steer and heifer trade for the type it wants.
  • Kepak is the young bull specialist.
  • Dawn Meats’ burger and manufacturing beef business is reflected in its strong prices for cows and plainer cattle, with Ashbourne Meats also prominent in cows.
  • Independents are squeezed, with the exception of Foyle and Jennings up with the best in steers and heifers. Slaney and Dunbia are also well placed in many categories.

    • The important message from the exclusive Irish Farmers Journal annual factory report is that factories are targeting their highest purchase price for what they really want to buy. In contrast, if they get something they don’t want, they really penalise it.