Base quotes at some of the factories are pushing up this week, with one plant up 2p to 336p for U-3 grade steers and heifers, while another is up 4p to 334p. Others remain at 330p/kg.

However, reports from farmers suggest that the trade is little changed from last week, with deals available at least 10p/kg ahead of base quotes. Others have managed to negotiate smaller deductions down the grades.

However, with more cattle coming forward, factory agents are reluctant to speculate on price going forward. A number of factories report that they are already booked out with cattle for next week.

While prices are under pressure south of the border, the trade here is underpinned by a strong market in Britain.

Reports suggest that R4s in Scotland are making over 380p/kg and up to 365p/kg in the north of England.

The differential to prices in Britain has gradually increased, especially for the better conformation grades.

While O3 prices here are similar to Britain, the difference on a U3 animal is over 20p/kg.

Last week in NI, the prices paid for U3 steers and heifers averaged 343p and 346.5p/kg respectively.

The higher numbers coming forward is reflected in the kill last week, which was up 450 head to 7,871, and included 1,900 cows. It is the highest weekly kill since June.

The number of cattle coming in from the south for slaughter last week increased again to 260 head, the highest weekly figure since mid-March.

Trade in the opposite direction picked up to 189 head. The trade across to Britain for slaughter was 172 head, also the highest weekly figure since mid-March.

Quotes in the plants for fat cows show no change. The best quote for an O+3 grade cow is 250p/kg, with others quoting 240p/kg. The best quote for an R grade is steady at 260p/kg, with prices paid for R3’s and R4’s last week averaging 271.7p/kg.

Lamb trade

The trade in fat lambs has eased back this week in the factories and in the marts.

In the factories, quotes are down by 15p/kg to 375p and 380p/kg deadweight, making a lamb worth up to £80 at the 21kg limit.

In the marts, Kilrea had a small sale of 384 lambs and they sold from 329p to 341p, down by 27p to 38p/kg.

Massereene had a big show of 1,126 head, making from 335p to 355p, down by 15p/kg.

Saintfield had a show of 877 lambs, selling from 320p to 370p, down by 20p/kg for the main weight range.

In Rathfriland, the sale had 1,000 lambs on offer, although a big proportion were at store weights. Overall, prices ranged from 327p to 389p/kg, with an average of 352p/kg, which was down by 5p or just over £1/head on last week. Fat lambs at 24kg and 25kg made £78 to £81/head. The top price was £83 for 28kg.

The trade in fat ewes is steady, with the price of top lots in the marts mostly showing little change. Top in Newtownstewart was £110, in Swatragh was £104/head, in Omagh £84, Kilrea was £66, in Massereene was £96, in Saintfield was £99, while in Rathfriland, the top was £79.