The beef trade has moved in favour of farmers again this week, as processors add another 2p/kg to quotes. This brings base prices to 350p to 358p/kg on U-3 grade animals.

As in previous weeks, farmers are managing to negotiate on price and securing deals above base. Indications are that several processors are opening on 360p/kg and they have managed to source animals at this level.

There are farmers reporting deals of 364p to 366p/kg on offer for steers and heifers. Larger finishers of bulls have reported prices of 360p to 365p/kg on offer for animals under 16 months and meeting market spec on weight limits.

Deals on transport are also being made, but this is being reflected in a slightly lower base price.

At the top end of the market, there are reports of farmers securing 370p/kg, but this is mostly for regular sellers or larger finishers with a good supply of animals, mostly heifers.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers averaged 350.53p/kg, an increase of 2.2p/kg on the previous week. The average price paid on U3 steers increased to 361.3p/kg, with U3 heifer prices averaging 364p/kg.

The prime cattle kill totalled 6,874 head last week. With a strong demand for beef and firm prices, farmers are offloading cattle rather than holding and waiting for further price increases.

Cattle numbers imported from the Republic are holding firm, with 243 animals moving north for slaughter, while 177 animals were imported from Britain.

Cows

With the supply of cull cows tightening, processors have moved to increase base quotes this week, with one adding 4p/kg to their price.

This puts O+3 grade animals on a base of 260p to 268p/kg, while R grade cows are 270p/kg or better.

Farmers report prices of 285p to 295p/kg on good-quality beef animals this week.

Sheep trade

The last of the hogget trade has one plant offering 400p/kg, worth £88 at the 22kg weight limit. But the trade is firm and sellers should be pushing for more.

The market for spring lamb is holding and quotes are up 5p/kg at one plant and 460p/kg is on offer, yielding £96.60 for a 21kg carcase. But like hoggets, the trade is firm and sellers should be pushing for more.

In the marts, Kilrea had a very small sale of spring lambs making from 422p to 442p/kg.

Massereene sold 310 spring lambs making from 420p to 445p/kg, up by 5p/kg for heavier lambs.

Saintfield sold 250 spring lambs at 414p to 450p/kg, up by 4p to 10p/kg on last week.

In Rathfriland, 361 spring lambs sold from 411p to 471p/kg and averaged 442p/kg, up by 9p/kg on last week.

The trade in fat ewes is good and top prices are being maintained at the marts. Fat ewes sold to a top of £106 in Newtownstewart; to £117 in Omagh; to £93 in Swatragh; and to £115 in Massereene. In Saintfield, 78 ewes sold to a top of £90; and Rathfriland sold 159 ewes with the best making £90/head.

In Ballymena, ewes with twin lambs were a terrific trade with the best making £240 and £218, with plenty in the range £180 to £202 for the outfit.