Cattle agents are finding it harder to secure numbers this week and, as such, are offering improved price deals to entice farmers to offload stock.

While some plants are managing throughput with little issue, others are relying heavily on regular finishers to make up any shortfall in supply, often at short notice.

Several plants have improved their base quotes, with the majority of processors now on 428p/kg for U-3 grading animals.

Price reports on heifers indicate that 446p to 448p/kg is widely available for a good supply of in-spec stock.

At the upper end of the market, there are reports of butcher heifers pushing into 450p/kg for regular finishers.

Steers

Steers are generally moving off farm around 442p to 444p/kg, with 2p/kg more on offer for regular finishers with a steady supply coming forward.

In general, the availability of steers is tailing off and, as such, factory agents are becoming more flexible on young bulls to maintain throughput.

There is plenty of price variation on young bulls. At the upper end of the market, deals of 442p/kg were reported this week for in-spec animals.

Other farmers report prices at 430p to 436p/kg for animals exceeding carcase weight limits. Angus cattle sold through the various schemes are running between 450p and 460p/kg, with the maximum premiums applied.

Last week, the average price paid across all grades of steers and heifers was 427.9p/kg, up 0.8p/kg.

On U3 grading cattle, steers rose by 1.9p to 442.4p/kg, while heifers increased by 2p to 444.3p/kg. Young bulls held steady at 430.3p/kg.

Irish cattle imported for direct slaughter at local plants rose to 337 head, despite Irish beef prices overtaking those paid by NI processors.

Cows

Base quotes on cull cows continue to strengthen with most plants now on 370p/kg for R3 grading animals. Good-quality cows continue to make upwards on 400p/kg with R3 animals rising 7.5p/kg to an average 389.1p/kg last week.

NI sheep: lamb prices push above 650p/kg

Buying demand for lambs at marts was firm on Monday, but eased slightly on Tuesday.

Factory quotes strengthened by 10p/kg to 645p/kg making lambs worth £135.45 at the 21kg weight limit. But deals of 650p to 660p/kg have been paid.

In Kilrea, 470 lambs sold in a strong trade to a top of 675p/kg for 18kg at £121.50. Lambs at 20.5kg made £132.50 (646p/kg), 20kg at £127 (635p/kg) and 24kg made £140 (583p/kg).

In Massereene, a firm trade saw 298 lambs top 638p/kg for 21kg at £134, with 630p/kg for 22kg at £138.50, 620p/kg for 22kg at £136.50 and 611p/kg for 22.5kg at £137.50.

The last of the hoggets were an easier trade, with £110 paid for 29kg.

In Saintfield, 535 lambs sold from 585p to 620p/kg, slightly easier on last week. Heavy lambs at 25kg and 26kg made £140, 22kg made £134, while 21kg made £127.

In Rathfriland, 452 lambs sold from 590p to 650p/kg and averaged 619p/kg, down 10p/kg on last week.

Ballymena saw 23.5kg make £139, with 21kg making £132.

Ewes

Cull ewes are a flying trade. In Kilrea, top price was £190. In Massereene, the top was £166 for Suffolks, £155 for Mules, £152 for Texels and £150 for Charollais. In Saintfield, prices topped £254 and £258, with a big run from £148 to £214. In Rathfriland, the top was £236.