Base factory quotes for cattle at the plants have eased back this week and are mostly at 334p/kg for U-3 grade steers and heifers, although one plant is quoting only 330p.

The falling prices are mainly a result of more cattle coming forward for slaughter in NI. However, finished cattle numbers remain tight, especially in Britain, which should help to prevent any significant price falls.

Quotes there have edged up in recent weeks, although now seem to have steadied at a top price in the north of England of around 364p/kg for R4Ls.

In the Republic of Ireland, there is also some pressure downward, with steers and heifers generally back 5c/kg.

The kill last week in NI of 7,413 was up 1,200 head from the previous holiday week, and similar to kills earlier this month. However, the kill included 1,887 cows, the largest cow kill since January.

There are reports that more dairy cows are starting to appear on the market as dairy producers assess their current financial position.

There was a large show of 400 dairy cows in Clogher Mart last Saturday, half of which were destined for further feeding, with the rest going for slaughter.

In terms of imports and exports, last week a substantial 524 head were brought in from the south for slaughter. Some 243 head went south and 119 head went across to Britain.

Prices paid last week eased back, with steers and heifers both back around 3p/kg to average 334.9p/kg. However, top-grading U3 grading heifers still averaged 350p/kg.

The fat cow quotes have eased by 10p/kg at one plant, and the best quote is now at 260p for an R grade and 255p/kg for an O+ grade cow.

Last week the prices paid for well-fleshed R grading cows averaged 283p/kg, which is well ahead of base quotes.

Spring lamb: Quotes for lamb for the second half of this week have settled at 300p/kg, and similar to last week, although 305p/kg was available earlier in the week. A 21kg lamb is worth £63 to £64 a head. Supplies of lamb are adequate. In the marts, the trade has strengthened a little as buyers from the south were active up to a price point of around £65 a head. In Kilrea, 641 lambs sold from 266p/kg to 298p/kg up 2p/kg to 10p/kg. Massereene sold 828 head making from 270p/kg to 298p/kg, up 5p to 8p/kg. In Saintfield, there was a good show of quality lambs and 804 sold from 260p to 320p, up 5p to 20p/kg. Buyers for southern plants were paying up to £65 a head. For local plants, £64 to £66 a head was paid, from 260p/kg to 270p/kg. Rathfriland sold 1,233 lambs in the range 255p to 328p, up 4p for heavier lambs. The average was 276p, up 1p on the week, making a 23kg lamb worth £63.50. The trade in fat ewes has steadied, with top prices of £104 in Swatragh; £83 in Omagh; £70 in Kilrea; £81 in Massereene; £110 in Saintfield; and £79 in Rathfriland.