This is a subscriber-only article
Supplies of factory-fit cattle continue to exceed market demand and, as such, beef processors have moved to shave 2p/kg off base quotes this week.
This puts the range of factory quotes for prime cattle on 326p to 330p/kg on U-3 grading steers, with heifers faring marginally better on a top quote of 332p/kg.
Base quotes are now running 24p to 26p/kg lower than the corresponding week last year, which on a 350kg carcase is a reduction of more than £90 per head.
Base quotes are now at their lowest level since March 2016, when U grading animals were on a base of 308p/kg.
With factory agents reporting they are sourcing numbers with ease, negotiating above base price has become increasingly difficult for farmers who have limited numbers to offload.
Many farmers report that steers are moving at 330p/kg, with more regular finishers managing to secure another 2p to 4p/kg above base prices.
Deals on heifers are broadly similar. Again, higher prices are limited to finishers selling cattle on a more regular basis or have larger numbers to offload.
Farmers looking to offload cattle through the live trade in an effort to avail of improved prices are encountering reduced prices as specialist finishers are also being affected by the slower beef trade.
Mart managers report heavy cattle are typically making 190p/kg on top-quality U grading animals, with plainer animals making 170p to 180p/kg, keeping the live trade in line with factory prices.
Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers was down 1.5p/kg to 332.15p/kg, with U3 steers down 3p/kg to 338.5p/kg.
Prices on U3 heifers averaged 340.3p/kg, down by almost 6p/kg on the previous week.
Cows
The trade for cull cows remains relatively steady, with base quotes on R+3 grading animals holding at 240p/kg, although there is room to negotiate on good-quality continental types.
Quotes on O+3 cows are 230p/kg.
Hogget trade
The hogget trade has improved slightly this week, with the best factory quote on 420p/kg, up by 5p/kg. At the 22kg weight limit, this makes a hogget worth £92.40/head.
In the marts on Tuesday, the number of hoggets on offer was well down. In Saintfield, prices were down. However, in Rathfriland, prices were up on the previous week.
On Monday, Kilrea sold 450 hoggets from 394p to 424p/kg, down 4p/kg for heavier hoggets.
Massereene sold 706 hoggets from 385p to 416p/kg, up 15p/kg for heavier hoggets.
Saintfield sold 350 head making from 360p to 396p/kg, down by 20p/kg on last week.
Rathfriland had a good trade for a small show, with 282 hoggets making from 358p to 409p/kg, with an average 383p/kg, up by 7p/kg on last week. Heavy hoggets made to £97 with 22kg and 23kg making £90 to £92.
Ewes
The fat ewe trade in the marts is still firm, with good top prices on offer. The top in Omagh was £95. Top in Swatragh was £139 for 139 sold. The top in Massereene was £100 for 105 sold. In Saintfield, the top was £100 and in Rathfriland, it was £100.
In Ballymena, the best Texel ewes with twin lambs at foot made £228 and £225 for the outfit, with Charollais outfits selling to £178. A show of pet lambs made up to £53 each.
In Rathfriland, ewes with doubles made £165, with springing ewes making £115 to £140.
SHARING OPTIONS: