Cattle quotes

All of the plants are now quoting 366p/kg for both steers and heifers this week.

However, most regular suppliers continue to work off a base of 370p/kg, with top quotes for butcher heifers generally around 380p/kg. Some factory agents are talking the market down slightly for next week, although that might just be wishful thinking. The demand remains strong for in-spec cattle.

Agents report steady numbers coming forward. The kill last week of 8,661 was similar to the previous week. However, only small numbers are moving out of NI, given the competitive prices on offer here. 70 head went to Britain last week for slaughter, with 293 exported south. A total of 491 came in the opposite direction.

The prices paid continued to edge upwards, with R3 steers and heifers both averaging over 367p/kg or 1p/kg ahead of the base quote for U-3 grades. The fat cow trade is steady and the market for R and O+ grade cows is from 250p to 260p/kg. Last week the prices paid for R4 grading cows averaged 270p/kg.

Hoggets up

The number of hoggets available is dwindling and quotes have jumped by 20p and 30p/kg. Quotes are now at 410p and 420p with the prospect of more to come. In the marts, last Saturday, Omagh had a show of 1,014 hoggets selling from 373p to 398p/kg, up by from 8p to 30p/kg. This week, the number of hoggets on offer was down at most marts and prices increased. In Kilrea, they sold 250 hoggets from 362p to 382p, up 10p for heavier lambs. Massereene sold 1,032 hoggets, making from 365p to 415p, up by 15p to 30p/kg. Saintfield, Tuesday, sold 524 hoggets from 350p to 422p/kg, up 20p/kg. Hoggets averaging 25kg made £91.20 or 384p/kg. Heavies at 26kg and 27kg sold from £94 to £97 a head. In Rathfriland, hoggets averaged 370p/kg, up 14p/kg on the previous week. The trade in fat ewes has lost a little bit of its edge, with the top ewes making £126 a head in Omagh, £121 in Massereene, £114 in Rathfriland, £105 in Kilrea and £100 in Saintfield.