Processing plants have left base quotes unchanged this week, as the beef trade remains on a firm but generally steady footing. Supplies of cattle coming on to the market are broadly in line with processing demand, meaning farmers face little difficulty in offloading stock.

With base prices holding steady, this keeps the range of official quotes for U-3 grading steers and heifers on 326p rising to 334p/kg.

There are cattle moving at 334p to 336p/kg, but most farmers report little change to deals on offer during recent weeks.

This keeps in-spec steers on 338p to 342p/kg, depending on the numbers being offered, with prime heifers moving at the upper end of the 340p/kg range.

There are still deals in the low-350p/kg range for top-quality continental heifers suited to the wholesale and butcher trade.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers fell by 2.8p/kg to 332.9p/kg

Farmers offloading dairy-bred cattle are finding it difficult to negotiate on price.

Reports indicate that steers and bulls are working off the lower end of the base quote range, with prices discounted depending on the relevant carcase grade.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers fell by 2.8p/kg to 332.9p/kg. Prices paid on U3 grading steers averaged 338.8p/kg, a drop of 1.6p/kg on the previous week.

In the live trade, specialist finishers have become extremely active on short-keep cattle, with prices edging upwards

The average price paid on U3 grading heifers fell by 1p to 345.9p/kg, while young bulls fell by 3.6p/kg to 327.5p/kg.

In the live trade, specialist finishers have become extremely active on short-keep cattle, with prices edging upwards.

In addition, mart managers south of the border also report that wholesalers from NI were extremely active on heavy fleshed heifers at sales held last week, setting sale-topping prices.

Cows

In the cow trade, prices remain unchanged. This keeps R3 grading cows on a base of 260p/kg, with O+3 grading animals on 250p/kg.

However, deals on young, good-quality continental cows start from 280p/kg.

Hogget trade

The hogget trade has hardened further, with quotes up by 5p to 10p/kg deadweight. The best quote is 430p/kg payable to 22kg, making a hogget worth £94.60.

Prices paid in the marts have risen, with Rathfriland up by 16p/kg. In Kilrea, 490 hoggets sold from 378p to 420p/kg, up by 10p/kg heavier weights.

Rathfriland had a small show of 334 hoggets

Massereene had a show of 936 hoggets selling from 385p to 420p/kg, up by 5p/kg. In Saintfield, 477 hoggets sold from 380p to 420p/kg, no change on last week.

Rathfriland had a small show of 334 hoggets which met with firm demand, selling from 380p to 441p/kg, with a sale average of 400p/kg.

Top price was £101, followed by £100 and a big run above £90. In Lisahally, the top pen made £102, with a big selection from £94 to £98/head. Store lambs made £84.

Ewes

There is a strong demand for fat ewes, with top prices up in most marts. The top in Omagh was £101 for 139 head sold.

In Swatragh, the top was £141 for 205 head sold. In Massereene, the top was £125 and in Kilrea, it was £135. Saintfield sold ewes to £111.

In Rathfriland, sharp bidding saw Charollais ewes make £145/head, with a sale average of £90 for 124 ewes sold.

Breeding sheep in Ballymena were a great trade. Ewes with lambs sold to £228, with springers to £212. Store lambs sold to £84/head.

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