This is a subscriber-only article
Finished cattle prices in NI hit a new record high during the final week of December as processors struggled to source numbers.
Official price reports show that for the week ending 30 December, the average factory price paid for U3 grading steers was 458.9p/kg, with U3 heifers at 459.7p/kg.
Those prices are ahead of the previous high point for prime cattle recorded back in June 2022 when U3 steers peaked at 455.4p/kg and U3 heifers averaged 456.9p/kg.
From June onwards, prices gradually edged downwards to around the 438p/kg mark by early autumn as numbers processed hit unprecedented levels.
However, those record kills through the autumn period left numbers tight in the runup to Christmas. From the start to the end of December, prices are up 15p/kg.
Trade firm
Although processors are operating on four days this week, factory agents continue to find it challenging to source cattle.
Most reports indicate processors are heavily dependent on specialist finishers to maintain throughput and this is being reflected in the higher prices being recorded.
Base quotes for U-3 grades are up 4p/kg, with 440p/kg available, but deals are running well above this. At the top end, farmers indicate 460p/kg and above is being paid in return for bigger numbers.
Cull cows are also rising in value, with R3 animals on a base of 380p/kg, rising to 400p/kg for good-quality, younger types.
Sheep trade
In contrast, the sheep trade starts January with less positivity.
A backlog created by mart and factory closures over Christmas means processors have little trouble in meeting throughput.
Some processors are attempting to buy hoggets from a base of 535p/kg, down 5p/kg on last week, although most reports indicate 540p to 545p/kg is available.
Prices in Britain are also under pressure this week with 530p to 540p/kg on offer, while in the Republic of Ireland, hoggets have eased 10c/kg to €6.60/kg, which converts to 545p/kg.
SHARING OPTIONS: