The upward trend in cattle quotes continues, with plants putting another 2p and 4p on to their base quotes.

This puts U-3 grade steers and heifers to 320p at best. However, one plant has stated quotes at 312p at best.

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.

It remains the case that only weak sellers are taking the current base prices on offer.

The reality for most is that the initial offer is only the starting point for negotiation. Regular suppliers report that deals can be done up to 10p/kg ahead of the base quotes.

In some cases, farmers with a load of butcher-type heifers have been able to secure prices of 330p/kg and above.

There are reports that much higher prices are available to those who are free of bovine TB and able to take their cattle south of the Irish border for slaughter.

The main issue driving the trade remains tight numbers. However, the excellent weather of the last few weeks has brought strong demand for striploins.

Factory agents report that numbers are not plentiful, but they are getting enough cattle to satisfy their needs.

That is reflected in the total kill last week of 7,494, which was up 140 on the previous week, but 1,000 head below the kills seen during most of April.

Looking ahead, most expect finished cattle numbers to remain tight into July.

Cow trade

The cow trade is up this week, with plants putting 4p and 5p/kg on to quotes.

The best quote for an O+3 grade cow is 245p/kg, with others quoting 240p/kg and down to 222p.

Deals well ahead of these quotes are available to producers with well-fleshed suckler-type animals.

Lamb trade

The spring lamb trade is firm this week, with quotes from the plants at 395p/kg for up to 21kg deadweight, making a lamb worth £84.

The mart trade was unchanged or slightly easier.

In Kilrea, 405 spring lambs sold from 374p to 387p, down by 4p to 13p/kg.

There was a big show in Massereene, with 702 head selling from 370p to 410p/kg, down 10p for only the heaviest lambs. Medium and lighter lambs were unchanged.

Saintfield sold 741 lambs from 360p to 395p/kg, down slightly on last week.

Rathfriland had 701 lambs selling from 360p to 389p and averaged 382p, similar to last week.

Fat ewe prices are generally up slightly for the top of the trade. Top prices were Newtownstewart to £110/head, Swatragh to £90, Omagh to £116, Massereene to £91, Kilrea to £87 and Saintfield to £116.