Factory demand for beef remains strong and cattle agents are becoming increasingly competitive on price to secure numbers.

Plants have improved their base quotes, bringing them more in line with the price deals being made across the province.

Official quotes for U-3 grading cattle now range from 360p to 368p/kg, which is an increase of 2p to 4p/kg on last week, depending on the processor.

Most farmers report that plants are freely paying 368p to 370p/kg as a base. Farmers with limited supplies are securing 2p to 4p/kg more on prime cattle, while animals that qualify for premium breed schemes are being held at base price.

Finishers with bigger numbers and offloading cattle regularly are securing deals of 376p to 380p/kg with little difficulty for in-spec animals. Dairy-bred beef cattle are moving at prices of 350p to 364p/kg, depending on grade.

Cattle agents indicate greater supplies of young bulls coming on to the market, with prices varying depending on age, conformation and carcase weight.

Suckler-bred bulls under 400kg and aged 14 to 15 months old are faring best, with similar prices being paid to steers and heifers at the top end of the market. Out-of-spec bulls are moving at prices closer to 370p/kg.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers rose by 4p/kg to 365.76p/kg. The average price paid on U3 steers was steady at 374.2p/kg, with U3 heifers making 378.6p/kg.

In Britain, prices are firm. In Scotland, U grade steers are securing 385p to 390p/kg, with U grading heifers making upwards of 394p/kg.

Prices in England range from 374p to 385p/kg for prime cattle.

Cows

The cow trade is steady, with plants quoting 320p/kg for R3 animals, but paying 15p to 25p/kg more depending on supplies. Last week, the average price paid on R grade cows was 321.1p/kg.

Spring lamb trade

The spring lamb trade steadied by the middle of the week and quotes at the plants are at 475p/kg. This makes a lamb worth £99.75 at the 21kg weight limit.

The number of lambs going through the marts on Tuesday was reduced and prices increased, especially in Rathfriland.

Kilrea sold 250 spring lambs from 463p to 510p/kg, down by 8p/kg for heavier lambs.

Massereene sold 542 lambs making from 440p to 495p/kg, down by 10p/kg for heavier sorts.

In Saintfield, a smaller show of 272 lambs made from 429p to 475p/kg, up by 14p/kg for heavier lambs.

There was a good recovery in lamb prices at Rathfriland. They had a smaller show of 350 lambs and sold in the range 435p to 493p/kg. The average was 476p/kg, up by 54p/kg on last week.

The fat ewe trade is very firm, with increases in top prices. Swatragh sold 127 head to a top of £118. In Omagh, top price was also £118 for 199 sold. In Massereene, the top was £126 and in Saintfield was £110. Rathfriland sold 180 head to £102.

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Fat lamb trade steady at Kilrea Mart