Quotes for fat cattle have slipped back this week by between 2p and 6p/kg, leaving the best quote at 620p for U-3 grading steers and heifers.

That base quote remains well behind the prices on offer to regular suppliers, with most working from a base this week around the mid-650p/kg mark, with slightly more on offer for larger numbers.

Factory agents report there are enough prime cattle available to meet their needs, while there is no shortage of cows coming forward, as dairy farmers heed advice from processors to clean up their herds before further milk price cuts are implemented.

Last week, the price paid for U3 grading steers was down 3.1p to average 659.6p/kg, with R3s back 2.9p at 656.6p/kg.

U3 heifers were down 2.8p at 659.5p, although U3 young bulls were only down 0.9p at 646.1p/kg.

Across all steers and heifers, the average price paid last week was down 2.2p at 651.8p/kg. It is the first time this overall average has dropped week on week since the middle of October 2025.

While prices paid in NI are down, it is a slightly different picture elsewhere.

Reports from the Republic of Ireland suggest that quotes have remained steady this week, with prime cattle working off a base of 740c to 750c/kg. Once converted to sterling, that leaves prices paid in ROI ex-VAT similar to those on offer in NI.

Britain

The gap in prices paid between NI and Britain has gradually increased in recent weeks, especially for higher conformation grades.

Last week, R3 grade steers in Britain averaged 669.3p and R3 heifers averaged 668.6p/kg. Those prices are over 12p/kg ahead of what was paid in NI. However, this time last year, that gap to Britain stood at around 40p/kg.

Cows

The quotes for fat cows are in decline, with some factories taking 10p off, while others have cut quotes by around 30p/kg. That leaves the best quote for an O+ cow at 510p/kg.

Last week, the price paid for R4 grading cows was down 2.3p at 579.4p/kg, although the average for R3 was back by over 10p at 568.7p/kg.

NI sheep: lamb prices steady in NI

Despite some uncertainty in the sheep trade due to the bluetongue issue, prices bid in the marts have held up.

However, factories are more cautious with a best quote of 640p/kg, making a lamb worth £140.80 at the 22kg weight limit.

In Gortin, heavy lambs at 30.6kg made £150, with 29.7kg at £149. Lambs at 24kg made to £144.

In Kilrea, lambs sold to 630p/kg. The 630p was for 20kg at £126. Lambs at 24.5kg made 612p or £150, with 23kg making 609p or £140.

In Markethill, a show of 1,150 lambs made from 600p to 649p/kg – no change. The 649p was for 20.5kg at £133, with 632p also for 20.5kg at £129.50. Heavier lambs at 24kg made £137 or 571p, with 25kg at £142 or 568p/kg.

Store lambs sold well, with 762p paid for 16.4kg at £125 and 727p for 16.5kg at £120.

In Rathfriland, lambs made from 579p to 652p/kg.

In Ballymena, heavies at 30kg made £151, with 25.5kg at £141.50. Lambs at 22.5kg made £135, with 22kg at £129.

Fat ewes

The trade for fat ewes is easier.

In Gortin, top prices were £196 and £183 and in Kilrea, it was £204.

In Markethill, good-quality ewes made from £110 to £178, with plainer sorts from £60 to £110.

And in Rathfriland, the top was £165/head.