With cattle numbers coming forward in decline, there is a further significant uplift in cattle quotes this week.

The best quotes are at 334p and 336p/kg for U-3 grade steers and heifers. However, much higher prices are on offer to producers with a load of cattle to sell. Reports from farmers suggest that 350p/kg is widely available, although some are holding out for 360p/kg and above.

The tight supply of finished cattle is reflected in the kill from last week which fell to only 6,151, the lowest weekly total so far this year. That is despite the number imported for slaughter from the south being up by 180 head at 569 head.

With local farmers realising that the market was heading upwards, a number cancelled their booking. It left some factories very short of cattle later in the week. According to reports some factories have waived their penalties on nomad cattle to get numbers through the door.

The stronger prices available in NI meant that only a small number of cattle went south for slaughter last week. The total was down by 180 head to only 134. However, significant increases in prices have also been seen in England, which has acted to stimulate the trade across the Irish Sea. In total, 183 cattle made their way across, the biggest weekly figure in 2015.

The prices paid last week for steers and heifers were up nearly 8p/kg to average 326.3p/kg, the highest average since early May. U3 heifers averaged 344p/kg, which was 22p/kg ahead of base quotes last week, highlighting that significant deals were on offer for butcher-type cattle.

The fat cow quotes are steady and best quotes are at 260p for an R grade and 250p/kg for an O+ grade cow. Last week R3s and R4s both averaged over 280p/kg.