Beef prices are improving this week, as the numbers of finished cattle continues to tighten. While prices have strengthened, processors have left their base quotes unchanged. Official factory quotes still range from 336p to 348p/kg for U-3 grade animals.

However, most farmers are finding it much easier to negotiate on price this week, with several reports of deals being made well ahead of base.

Processors are mostly working from an opening price of 348p/kg and there are some cattle moving at this level.

Several farmers report that they have secured a price of 355p/kg for steers and heifers, with more regular sellers securing 360p/kg on in-spec animals. At the top end of the market, there are reports of 366p/kg being paid for cattle, plus haulage.

Factory agents report there are fewer cattle around, hence the upward move in prices. The domestic trade is now on a par with prices in Britain and is higher in some cases.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers increased by 1.8p/kg to 343.83p/kg. Prices for U3 heifers increased by 6p/kg to 358.2p/kg, while U3 steers averaged 354.1p/kg.

The weekly kill fell by 1,000 head to 7,505, with the prime kill dropping by 700 head to 5,877. The cow kill fell by 300 head to 1,478 – the lowest cow kill so far this year.

Cattle imported from south of the border remained steady, with 212 animals moving north for direct slaughter. Imports of southern cattle are now running 48% down on 2016 levels.

Cow trade

Quotes for cows remain unchanged on 245p to 250p/kg for O+3 animals, with R3 cows on 260p/kg. However, prices are well ahead of base prices with farmers reporting 290p/kg on offer for well-fleshed continental cows, while there are reports of 300p/kg on offer at the top of the market.

Hogget trade

The plants have put 5p/kg on hogget quotes this week and are paying 410p/kg. But sellers should push for 415p/kg. One plant is killing spring lambs, paying 480p/kg up to 21kg. These lambs are well-finished and killing at 21kg is worth £100.

In the marts, more hoggets were on offer and prices were down on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kilrea had a sale of 380 hoggets selling from 366p to 383p/kg, up by 18p/kg for heavier hoggets.

Massereene sold 1,025 hoggets making from 360p to 395p/kg, up 10p/kg for lighter hoggets.

In Saintfield, 562 hoggets sold from 340p to 400p/kg, down 10p/kg for heavier animals.

Rathfriland had 300 hoggets selling from 320p to 376p/kg. Average price was 359p/kg, down by 7p/kg on last week. Rathfriland also had 42 spring lambs selling from 450p to 520p/kg.

Ewes

The trade in fat ewes is buoyant, with better top prices in some marts. They sold to a top of £112 in Swatragh; to £138 in Omagh; to £87 in Kilrea; and to £106 in Massereene. In Saintfield, 140 ewes sold to a top of £100; and Rathfriland had a show of 165 ewes with the best making £118/head.

In Ballymena, Monday evening, there was a great trade in sheep. The best ewes with twin lambs at foot made from £184 down to £160 for Texels, Suffolks and crossbreds.