Processors are struggling to keep a grip on the beef trade, as supplies of finished cattle continue to tighten.
With demand exceeding supply, farmers hold the upper hand when negotiating with factory agents for higher prices.
Another factor working in the favour of farmers is the live ring, which is extremely buoyant, as specialist finishers continue to pay strong prices for a dwindling pool of short-keep and slaughter-fit cattle.
As factories chase cattle, base quotes continue to edge upwards, with 434p/kg on offer for U-3 grading animals at the upper end of the market.
However, deals are generally opening from a base of 450p/kg and there are plenty of stock changing hands at this level.
Farmers with bigger numbers or those killing on a regular arrangement report 452p/kg to 454p/kg being paid on steers. Some farmers with greater negotiating power are securing free haulage or are having penalties waived on carcase weight.
Heifers are also moving around 454p/kg, although there are reports of 456p/kg on offer for a steady supply of animals over the next month.
At the top of the market, 460p/kg is being paid on butcher-type animals, but this would relate to small numbers.
Last week, the average price paid across steers and heifers of all grades rose by 1.98p/kg to 435.73p/kg. On U3 animals, steers rose by 2.1p/kg to 450.5p/kg, with heifers up 4.1p/kg to 452.8p/kg and young bulls surging 14p/kg to 441.9p/kg.
Cows
Cull cows are an improving trade. Quotes on R3 cows are 360p/kg. However, most deals start around 370p/kg, with 10p/kg more on offer for younger suckler types with good conformation levels.
Factory closures
With the upcoming holidays, farmers should note that processors will be closed on certain days. All plants will be closed on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 December, then open for the remainder of next week. All plants will again close on Monday 2 January.
NI sheep: fat lamb trade holding firm
With milder weather this week, there have been bigger shows in the marts. Despite this, prices remain firm and some factories increased official quotes by 5p/kg to 535p/kg, making a 22kg carcase worth £117.70.
However, farmers should note that 545p/kg is freely available as a base at other plants, with 550p/kg on offer for bigger finishers.
In Kilrea, 950 lambs sold from 475p to 509p/kg, little changed on last week, with 23kg making £115.
Massereene held its final sale on Monday, with a very strong trade for a big show of 1,086 lambs. Prices ranged from 494p to 544p/kg, up 16p/kg on last week. Leading prices saw 25kg at £136 with 20.5kg at £111.
In Saintfield, 490 lambs sold from 484p to 520p/kg, up 4p/kg on last week. Lisahally had a good trade, with 24.5kg lambs making £123, 23kg at £118 and 22kg at £115.
In Ballymena, heavy lambs at 29kg made £126, 25.5kg made £124.50, with 25kg at £122.50, 23.5kg made £118 and 21.5kg making £109.
Ewes
Fat ewes remain a firm trade. In Kilrea, top price was £151. Massereene sold to £180 for Texels, with Suffolks to £165. Dorsets and Blue Leicesters made £125, with Charollais to £110. In Saintfield, top price was £155.