Best quotes from buyers at the plants are 326p/kg for U-3 grade steers and heifers, with 324p and a low of 322p also quoted. Only one plant is saying that numbers coming forward are a little bit lower – the rest maintain that numbers are steady or up a little this week.

It comes after the numbers coming forward to some factories tightened significantly towards the end of last week, prompting some to offer deals well ahead of quotes. There are reports that up to 340p/kg for U-3 grades was being offered to regular sellers. With more cattle coming forward this week, there seems to be more reluctance to pay prices well ahead of quotes.

Looking ahead, sources maintain that if there is a flush of grass-fed cattle towards the end of September, it could put the market under pressure.

Similar sentiment has been expressed in the Republic of Ireland, which traditionally pushes out a lot of cattle during September and October.

Some suppliers in NI starting to house cattle for finishing have been told to aim for a late November finishing date.

Weekly kill

The kill last week in NI at 7,335 was up 300 head from the previous week, but is still over 600 cattle less than the same week in 2014. The kill was boosted by another 2,024 cows, up over 200 head from the previous week.

The tight prime cattle numbers are reflected in the prices paid, with the average for steers and heifers up by 1p/kg to 323.7p/kg. Top-grading U3 steers and heifers were at 333p and 337p/kg respectively last week.

The fat cow quotes are steady and the best quote is at 250p for an R grade and 240p/kg for an O+ grade cow. However, producers with good conformation quality cows continue to receive prices well ahead of quotes, with R4s averaging 263.3p/kg last week.

Lamb trade

The fat lamb trade remains quiet, with quotes in the plants unchanged at 305p/kg for 21kg or £64/head.

In the marts, there is little change to prices, although by Wednesday evening prices in Rathfriland had firmed by 13p/kg.

Massereene had a big show, selling 1,206 head from 260p to 296p – no change. Southern buyers were active, but paying only to a price of £65 or £66/head. Lightweight lambs sold from 270p to 275p/kg. Heavier lambs at 25kg made £66, while heavies at 28kg made £68 to £70/head.

In Saintfield, 784 sold from 264p to 300p – no change on last week.

In Rathfriland, 1,000 lambs sold from 265p to 323p and averaged 291p – up 13p/kg or around £3/head.

Fat ewe prices are lower, with top prices of £87 in Omagh, £82 in Massereene, £86 in Saintfield and £88 in Rathfriland.