With the Christmas kill now finished, the upward momentum in the beef trade has slowed. But the positive for farmers with animals to sell is that prices are generally holding steady.

Processing plants have left base quotes unchanged on 326p to 328p/kg for U-3 grading cattle. Cattle agents indicate that processing demand has eased, taking the pressure off in terms of securing supplies.

However, prime cattle remain a valuable commodity and prices are broadly on par with last week.

Most farmers report that steers are moving from a base of 334p to 336p/kg, rising to 340p/kg for more regular finishers with animals killing out below 400kg carcase weight.

Deals on heifers are still widely available, with higher prices easier to come by on top-quality butcher-type animals.

Prices deals are on par with last week, although things have cooled at the top end.

Imports of Irish cattle for direct slaughter at northern plants increased from 274 to 357 head last week

Reports indicate that wholesalers have been noticeably active at Northern marts, as well as marts on the other side of the Irish border buying heavy fleshed steers likely to kill out above 400kg carcase weight.

Imports of Irish cattle for direct slaughter at northern plants increased from 274 to 357 head last week, three-quarters of which were steers.

Trade in the opposite direction saw 53 animals move south, mostly heifers.

Last week, the average price paid across steers and heifers rose by 2.7p to 328.51p/kg. The average price paid on U3 grading steers averaged 339.5p/kg, up 7p/kg on the previous week.

Prices for U3 grading heifers averaged 342.6p/kg, up from 339.1p/kg during the previous weeks.

Northern Ireland cattle prices are trending above the EU average, where U3 bullocks averaged 337.5p/kg last week. The EU average for U3 heifers was 340.5p/kg.

Cows

There has been no movement in the cow trade with R3 grading animals holding on a base of 260p/kg, while O+3 cows are on 250p/kg.

Lamb trade

Quotes for fat lambs at NI factories have increased this week by 5p and 10p/kg. The best quote is on 390p/kg for 22kg deadweight, making a lamb worth £85.80.

Prices paid in the marts have also increased by 8p to 13p/kg. In Kilrea, 370 lambs made from 344p to 366p/kg, up by 8p/kg for heavier lambs.

Massereene had a show of 1,030 lambs selling from 350p to 380p/kg, up by 10p/kg for heavier lambs.

Rathfriland had a show of almost 1,000 lambs and the trade was steady

In Saintfield, 777 lambs sold from 345p to 444p/kg, up by 13p/kg for heavier lambs. There were fewer store lambs on offer and prices increased as a result. Lighter lambs were making well over 400p/kg, with a top of 444p/kg.

Rathfriland had a show of almost 1,000 lambs and the trade was steady. Prices averaged 365p/kg, no change from last week. Heavy lambs sold from £86 to £90/head.

In Lisahally, a show of good in-spec lambs made £83 for 24.1kg. Heavy lambs at 27kg sold to a top of £88.80.

Ewes

The fat ewe trade has improved, with higher top prices in most marts.

The top in Omagh was £103, while Swatragh sold ewes to £140/head.

In Massereene, the top was £116 and in Saintfield, ewes made £95. Rathfriland was a strong trade, topping out at £119/head.