There are signs that the beef trade is starting to harden, as supplies of finished cattle coming from sheds are starting to tail off.

As such, there have been more farmers reporting that cattle agents have been more active in sourcing prime cattle that meet market specification.

However, cattle that fall out of spec are reportedly facing weaker demand, with sales of manufacturing beef slowing and the increased availability of cull cows coming on to the market.

Supplies of dairy-bred cows are currently strong and this is bringing some price pressure to the cow trade and to lowering grading steers.

The general supply and demand situation is finely balanced, but is still leaning in favour of processors.

Several plants continue to have adequate numbers booked for the first half of next week, but delays in getting prime cattle slaughtered are starting to ease.

With cattle booked in advance, processors are generally holding base quotes on 348p to 352p/kg for U3 grading animals.

Deals above base price depend on the numbers on offer, as well as the type of cattle for sale. Farmers with limited numbers are moving cattle at 352p to 354p/kg, whereas farmers finishing cattle on a more regular basis are securing 356p to 358p on steers and heifers.

Some farmers with good numbers of in-spec heifers are securing 360p/kg at the top end of the market.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers was down 1p/kg to 351.28p/kg. The average price on U3 steers fell 2p/kg to 356.1p/kg, with U3 heifers down 5p/kg to an average price of 358.9p/kg.

Cows

Base quotes for cows has eased to 280p/kg for R3 grading animals, although deals of 290p to 300p/kg are available on good-quality beef-bred animals. Quotes for O+3 cows are 265p to 270p/kg.

Lamb trade

The lamb trade has improved this week, with quotes increasing by up to 25p/kg. Best quote is 420p/kg, making a lamb worth £88.20 at the 21kg limit.

In the marts, the number of lambs on offer was steady and prices have increased, mostly by 12p to 15p/kg.

In Kilrea, they sold 400 lambs from 380p to 395p/kg, up by 32p/kg on last week.

Massereene sold 1,067 lambs making from 380p to 405p/kg, up by 15p/kg on last week.

In Saintfield, a show of 904 lambs made from 365p to 416p/kg, up 12p/kg for heavier lambs.

At Rathfriland, they had 751 lambs on offer, selling from 352p to 398p/kg. The overall average was 381p/kg, up by 12p/kg on last week. Per head, the average was £88.

Fat ewes

There were big numbers of fat ewes in the marts, with trade remaining firm and top prices up at some marts. Top price in Newtownstewart was £90. In Omagh, it was £98. Swatragh sold 340 head to a top of £101. Top in Kilrea was £80 and in Massereene, the top was £112 for a big sale of 270 head. Saintfield also had a big sale, with 295 ewes selling to a top of £106. Rathfriland sold 345 head to £103.