Quotes for clean cattle at the factories are generally unchanged this week. The best quote is at 334p/kg for U-3 grade steers and heifers; with 332p and 330p elsewhere.
The quotes provided are on an all-in basis for in-specs, with the well-established range of penalties applying to the range of out-of-spec conditions.
According to farmer suppliers, deals are still being done into the low 340s for anyone with a batch of in-spec cattle to sell. Others are working on deals 4p to 6p/kg ahead of base quotes.
The numbers coming forward for slaughter are reasonably strong and most factory agents report that they are well filled into next week. More numbers coming forward for slaughter has taken a bit of the edge off the deals available, which is reflected in the prices being paid.
Last week, steers and heifers averaged 331.58p/kg, down nearly 1p/kg on the previous weeks and 2.5p/kg back on the recent peaks seen in September. However, when compared to the same week in October 2015, the prime cattle trade in NI is 18p/kg ahead of prices 12 months ago.
Last week, U3 grade steers averaged 342.1p/kg, with U3 heifers at 344.7p/kg.
In Britain, prices paid have edged back 2p to 4p/kg, but reports from England this week would suggest that the market has steadied again. In the Republic of Ireland, strong numbers and a strong euro against sterling has again put some downward pressure onto base quotes.
Cow trade
Quotes in the plants for fat cows are steady this week and the best quote for an O+3 grade cow is 245p/kg, with others quoting 240p/kg. The best quote for an R grade is at 250p/kg. Last week, top-quality R3 grade cows averaged 270.2p/kg, with R4 cows at 269.2p/kg.
Lamb trade
The trade in fat lambs is holding up this week and the factories are at 380p/kg, up 5p at one factory. This makes a lamb worth almost £80 at the 21kg limit.
In the marts, there were more lambs on offer and prices were unchanged or up slightly on last week.
Kilrea had a sale of 600 lambs (150 lambs more than last week) selling from 327p to 350p/kg, no change.
Massereene sold 1,246 lambs (50 more) making from 325p to 364p, up 5p/kg.
Saintfield had a big sale of 971 head (381 more) and they made from 326p to 376p, up 6p/kg.
In Rathfriland, Tuesday evening, the sale had 1,288 lambs (288 more) and trade was very slightly better. Prices averaged 348p/kg, up by 1p on last week, and the range was 328p to 398p/kg. Fat lambs at 26kg made to £87/head.
Ewes
The trade in fat ewes in the marts is steady, with good prices for ewes in fat condition and some increases in top prices. Top in Newtownstewart was £90; in Omagh £107 for a show of 100 ewes; in Kilrea £84; in Massereene £80; and in Saintfield £100/head. In Rathfriland, the top for 123 ewes sold was £80, with good-conditioned ewes from £70 and up.