The upward momentum in the beef trade has continued this week, with processors increasing base quotes by 2p to 4p/kg. Official quotes now range from 346p to 354p/kg for U-3 animals. Very few, if any, farmers are selling prime cattle at the lower end of the quote range.

Most reports indicate processors are working at the upper end of the quote range, with plants opening on 354p/kg. Cattle are moving at this price, but most farmers indicate they are securing 355p to 358p/kg on steers and heifers, with 360p/kg on offer at the top end of the market.

There are some reports of larger finishers securing above 360p/kg, but this is mainly being paid on in-spec heifers.

Young bulls are moving at prices of 354p to 358p/kg for in-spec animals. Dairy-bred cattle are moving from 330p to 345p/kg, depending on the type and quality of animal, with Friesian cattle moving at the lower end of the price range.

Last week, the average price paid for steers and heifers was 347.61p/kg. The price for U3 steers averaged 359.2p/kg, with U3 heifers paid 360.2p/kg.

The numbers of finished cattle coming on to the market remain tight and the trade is finely balanced, making it easier for farmers to negotiate on price and carcase specification. Processors have looked to fill the supply gap by importing more cattle from the Republic. Imports of southern cattle totalled 273 last week.

This brings the annual total to 4,082, down 34% on last year. Just over one month ago, imports from the Republic were down 50% on the previous year.

Cows

Quotes for cows remain on 255p to 260p/kg for O+3 animals, with R grade cows on 270p/kg. Farmers report prices of 290p/kg on offer for good-quality beef animals, as cull cow numbers are also getting scarce. R3 cows prices averaged 284.8p/kg last week.

Sheep trade

With hogget numbers getting tighter, quotes at the plants are holding this week at 410p/kg, worth £90.20 on a 22kg carcase. Indications are that plants may switch from hoggets after next week.

The market for spring lamb remains limited and quotes are holding at 460p/kg, worth £96.60 on a 21kg carcase.

In Kilrea, hoggets sold from 380p to 429p/kg, which is no change on last week.

Massereene had only 129 hoggets from 380p to 412p/kg, up by 20p/kg on last week. They sold 207 spring lambs, making from 400p to 436p/kg, no change on last week.

In Saintfield, 290 hoggets sold from 336p to 380p/kg, little changed from last week. They sold 66 spring lambs at 400p to 430p/kg, also little changed from last week.

In Rathfriland, spring lambs sold from 410p to 436p/ kg and averaged 422p/kg.

The trade in fat ewes remains steady with smaller shows helping prices. They sold to £104 in Omagh; to £90 in Kilrea; and to £119 in Massereene. In Saintfield, 106 ewes sold to a top of £96 and Rathfriland had a show of 161 ewes with the best making £109/head.