There are improving signs that beef prices could be starting to harden after a sustained period of static prices during the summer period.

The backlog of cattle, which was a key feature of the trade during late July and led to a degree of price pressure, appears to have been cleared and several cattle agents are now indicating that cattle numbers are noticeably tighter.

However, while cattle numbers are easing, they are generally coming back into line with market demand, preventing any significant price increase at present.

Indications are that the availability of in-spec heifers is most limited and several plants have added 2p/kg to their quotes, but offering improved deals well above base price.

Official factory quotes are on 350p to 352p/kg for steers, with heifers on a top quote of 354p/kg for U3 grading animals.

Most farmers report that steers are moving at a price range of 354p to 358p/kg this week, with more regular sellers negotiating up to 360p/kg.

Deals on heifers are easier to secure. Farmers who have bigger numbers to offer are securing prices of 360p to 364p/kg for in-spec animals.

Demand for manufacturing beef remains solid, helping to keep a firm floor on the trade. With a high percentage of these cattle coming from feedlots, prices being paid are comparable with higher grading animals.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers averaged 349.29p/kg, with U3 steers averaging 354.1p/kg. The average price paid on U3 heifers was 361.2p/kg, with U3 grading bulls on 350.7p/kg.

Cows

Processor demand for fat cows continues to hold steady. Plants are working on a base price of 280p/kg for R3 grading cows, with O+3 animals on 265p to 270p/kg. Deals are available where bigger numbers are available.

Last week, the average price paid on R3 cows was 288.1p/kg.

Lamb trade

The lamb trade is dull this week and the plants have reduced their quotes. Quotes are at 395p and 390p/kg, making a lamb worth up to £82.95 at the 21kg limit.

In the marts, there was a reduced demand from southern buyers and prices are back.

In Kilrea, they sold 500 lambs from 350p to 386p/kg, down by 10p/kg for heavier lambs.

Massereene sold 976 lambs making from 345p to 378p/kg, down by 20p/kg on last week.

In Saintfield, 633 lambs made from 340p to 375p/kg, down by 10p to 16p/kg.

At Rathfriland, they had 854 lambs on offer, selling from 334p to 391p/kg. The overall average was 357p/kg, down 6p/kg on last week with a sale average around £83/head.

Ewes

The number of fat ewes in the marts was down and the trade was firm. Top prices were up at some marts.

Top price in Newtownstewart was £76. Omagh sold 303 head to a top of £130. Swatragh sold 400 head to a top of £102. Top in Massereene was £90 for a sale of 233 head. Saintfield had a sale of 205 ewes selling to a top of £115. In Rathfriland, they sold 395 head to £108.

Well-fleshed store lambs are a very good trade and in the store lamb sale in Ballymena, larger pens of Suffolks sold to a top of £71/head. Texel lambs sold to £70.50 and Charollais made to £68/head.