There has been little change in the cattle market this week, with processors still quoting 336p to 346p/kg for U-3 grade cattle. There were moves earlier this week to pull quotes by 2p/kg at some plants, but, with cattle numbers tight, quotes remain unchanged.

Most plants continue to operate from a starting price of 344p to 346p/kg, although there have been reports of some cattle moving at 2p to 4p/kg below this price.

However, indications are that this would cover farmers with limited numbers or cattle that fall outside of market spec.

Young bulls are generally being bought at base price this week, while steers and heifers are moving for 2p to 6p/kg above base, depending on cattle type and numbers.

Some agents indicate that processors have reduced throughput, but they are still struggling to secure prime cattle, which is preventing any significant price drop.

Cull cows and a good supply of dairy-bred cattle are helping to fill the supply gap at present.

Last week, the cattle kill stood at 8,720, which was similar to the previous week, but down 200 head from the start of the month.

The prime cattle kill was 6,549, down 213 head on the previous week and the second-lowest total for the year to date. The cow kill increased by 207 head to 2,003.

The average paid price for steers and heifers was 341p/kg, down 1.59p/kg on the previous week. Prices for U3 steers averaged 352.7p/kg, with heifers averaging 354.5p/kg.

Cows

The cow trade also remains unchanged this week, with prices and demand holding steady. Factory quotes for O+3 grade cows range from 245p to 250p/kg, with R grade cows ranging from 250p to 260p/kg, although there are reports of 270p/kg being paid. The average price paid for cows last week was 275p/kg.

Hogget trade

Quotes at the plants for hoggets are steady this week, with plants on 400p/ kg payable to 22kg.

The demand for hoggets, locally and from the south, is strong and sellers can negotiate more.

In the marts, the number on offer this week was down and prices were up in most marts.

Kilrea had a small sale of 260 hoggets selling from 358p to 386p/kg, up 10p/kg for heavier hoggets.

Massereene had a sale of 901 hoggets making from 355p to 390p/kg, no change.

In Saintfield, they had a sale of 360 hoggets making from 345p to 372p/kg, up 10p/kg for heavier hoggets.

In Rathfriland, a small show of 257 hoggets sold from 340p to 371p/kg. The average price was 355p/kg, which was up by 8p/kg on last week.

Ewes

There was a great trade in fat ewes, with top prices up. Plenty of three-figure prices were paid. They sold to a top of £128.50 in Newtownstewart; £100 in Swatragh; to £126 in Omagh; to £89 in Kilrea; and to £113 in Massereene. In Saintfield, 90 ewes sold to a top of £94; and in Rathfriland, 117 ewes made to £107/head.

In Ballymena, Monday evening, the trade in sheep was sharp. The best store hoggets sold to £81/head. The best in-lamb Blackface ewes made £180 and £145. Suffolks made £140. The best ewes with twins made from £170 to £178.