One factory has put 2p on its quotes for cattle this week, putting U-3 grade steers and heifers at 336p/kg. However, another has eased back 2p to 334p and another remains at 330p for steers and 332p for heifers.

However, farmers report that 344p to 346p/kg is still widely available to regular suppliers. Exceptional loads of butcher-type heifers are still trading into the low 350s.

The trade remains relatively solid, helped by tight supplies in Britain, where quotes for R4Ls are over 360p/kg, as well as the euro to sterling exchange rate, with sterling weakening slightly in recent days to stand at €1 = 86p. That continues to make beef imports into the British market less price-competitive.

While some factories in NI report strong numbers coming forward for slaughter this week, others are suggesting that there is no great rush of cattle. Last week, the total kill of 8,391 was the largest weekly kill since the middle of April and included 2,000 cull cows. Despite that, the prices paid last week were generally unchanged from the previous week. Steers and heifers averaged 334.22p/kg, with U3 grade steers at 343.6p/kg and U3 grade heifers at 348p/kg, indicating just what is available ahead of quotes.

The number of cattle coming in from the south for slaughter last week fell back to 192 head. Trade in the opposite direction also reduced to 120. The trade across to Britain for slaughter was 150 head, which was also down on the previous week.

Cow trade

Quotes in the plants for fat cows have eased back at one plant. The best quote for an O+3 grade cow is 245p/kg, with others quoting 240p/kg. The best quote for an R grade has also eased 5p at 255p/kg, although prices paid for R grades last week were over 270p/kg.

Lamb trade

The trade in fat lambs improved in the marts on Monday and Tuesday of this week. But in the factories, quotes are steady or back 5p at 375p/kg deadweight, making a lamb worth just under £79 at the 21kg limit.

Kilrea Mart had a big sale of 500 lambs selling from 338p to 363p, up by 9p to 22p/kg.

Massereene had 300 lambs less than last week and sold 806 head, making from 340p to 367p, up by 5p to 12p/kg.

Saintfield also had a smaller show, 220 fewer lambs, selling 651 head and making from 338p to 384p/kg, up by 14p to 18p/kg.

In Rathfriland, the sale had 100 fewer lambs, selling 905 lambs at prices ranging from 330p to 397p/kg, with an average of 355p/kg, which was up by 3p on last week. Fat lambs at 26kg made to a top of £89/head. Lambs at 24kg made to £87, with 22kg and 23kg making from £80 to £84. Store lambs made up to 397p, with plenty making from 380p to 390p/kg.

The trade in fat ewes has eased, with the price of top lots in the marts mostly dropping back. Top in Newtownstewart was £75; in Swatragh was £98/head; in Omagh £107; Kilrea was £60; in Massereene was £85; and in Saintfield was £90/head. However, in Rathfriland, the top for 131 ewes sold was up on last week at £85/head for Texels. Plenty of Suffolks and crossbreds sold from £70 to £80.