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The beef trade remains on a positive footing, with farmers in a strong position to negotiate for higher prices.
Farmers offloading cattle continue to report a range of price deals for heifers and steers meeting market specifications. Higher beef prices have filtered through to the live trade, with mart managers commenting on renewed buying interest from finishers.
With buying demand also exceeding cattle supply at marts across the province, farmers finding difficultly negotiating for higher prices with factory agents should consider all options available to maximise the sale value of animals.
Others with bigger numbers to offload report deals in the low end of the 330p/kg price range
Base quotes have increased by 4p to 6p/kg, putting U3 grading cattle on 326p/kg. However, farmers with in-spec animals report prices of 328p to 330p/kg on young bulls and steers.
Others with bigger numbers to offload report deals in the low end of the 330p/kg price range. Prices on prime heifers continue to edge upwards.
Farmers report 334p to 336p/kg becoming more widely available, with animals moving to slaughter within one to two days of booking date.
Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers rose by 3.8p to 320.86p/kg
With cattle agents keen to secure numbers, there have been reports from regular finishers of deals exceeding 340p/kg, especially where a steady supply of heifers will be coming on to the market over the next few weeks.
Farmers offloading Angus cattle report prices close to 360p/kg once all premiums have been applied.
Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers rose by 3.8p to 320.86p/kg, as the impact of tighter cattle numbers takes hold.
The average price on U3 grading steers rose by 4.6p/kg to 327.1p/kg, with the average price for U3 heifers rising 5p to 336.1p/kg.
Prices in Britain are also hardening, with R4L grading steers rising 2.1p to 337.1p/kg, while R4L heifers are up 1.5p to 335p/kg.
Cows
The cow trade is steady, with the best quote on R3 animals at 260p/kg, with the best quote on O+3 grading cows on 250p/kg.
Lamb trade
The lamb trade has strengthened again this week, with local factories moving the deadweight limit up to 22kg. The best quote is at 365p/kg, which at the 22kg limit makes a lamb worth £80.30.
In the marts, the supply of lambs remains tight and buyers for southern plants are extremely active. Prices paid in the ring have improved by up to 19p/kg.
Heavy lambs at 27kg to 28kg made from £83.50 to £84.50
In Kilrea, 200 lambs sold from 330p to 409p/kg, up by 19p/kg for heavier lambs. Lighter store lambs made over 400p/kg.
Massereene had a show of 728 lambs making 320p to 352p/kg, up by 10p/kg. Lambs from 23kg to 24.5kg sold best, making £80 to £84/head. Lighter lambs at 21kg and 21.5kg made £74 to £75.50. Heavy lambs at 27kg to 28kg made from £83.50 to £84.50.
In Saintfield, 535 lambs sold from 321p to 424p/kg, up by 11p/kg on last week for heavier lambs.
Rathfriland had a show of 774 lambs, met with a sharp trade. Lambs made from 330p to 418p/kg, averaging 347p/kg, up by 19p/kg on the week.
Ewes
The fat ewe trade is firm with some improved top prices. The top in Omagh was £100, while Swatragh sold ewes to £80/head.
In Massereene, top price was £85 for Suffolks, £70 for Mules and £55 for Blackface ewes. In Saintfield, the top was £90 with ewes at Rathfriland making £88/head.
Store lambs have increased in price. In Ballymena, the best Texels sold to £79/head, with Charollais making £75. Crossbreds lambs made £70.50/head with Suffolks selling to £67.50.
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