Quotes for fat cattle have slipped back again this week, but unlike last week when some factories cut quotes by up to 6p/kg, it is a 2p/kg deduction in most cases.

It means the best base quote is at 618p for U-3 grade steers and heifers.

That leaves the actual deals on offer around the mid-650p/kg mark, with slightly more on offer for regular suppliers.

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Last week, U3 grading steers averaged 656.5p/kg, down 3.1p, with U3 heifers at 656.7p/kg, down 2.8p/kg. Slightly more came off the price paid for young bulls, with U3 grades down 4.8p to 641.3p/kg.

Across all steers, the price paid averaged 649.1p, with heifers at 647.3p/kg. The overall average for steers and heifers of 648.3p/kg was the lowest it has been for seven weeks.

Normally at this time of the year, prices are on the rise in the run-up to Christmas. This time last year, factory quotes had risen 25p/kg since the start of the autumn and the 500p/kg barrier had been broken for the first time.

Scope

However, there is less scope for upward price movements with beef at around 650p/kg.

In Britain, there was also some downward pressure in prices paid last week, with 1.5p to 4.5p coming off, dependent on grade.

However, that still leaves prices paid around 15p/kg ahead of NI for U and R grades.

In the Republic of Ireland, there has been some resistance among farmers after factories tried to take another 20c/kg off prices paid. In general, the actual prices paid last week were similar to NI.

With little financial incentive to take cattle north for direct slaughter and plenty of cull cows available locally, just 190 head were imported last week, which is the lowest weekly total since August. Just 45 cattle were sent in the opposite direction.

Cows

The quotes for fat cows have fallen at some plants, although the best quote for an O+ cow remains at 510p/kg.

Last week, the price paid for R3 grades was down 3.1p at 565.6p/kg, while R4 grades averaged 565.5p/kg. P2 grades were back 8.2p at 504.3p/kg, with P3 grades down 7.1p at 521.7p/kg.

NI sheep: lamb trade down due to bluetongue

The trade in the marts for fat lambs has suffered this week due to the bluetongue situation in NI, with prices bid down by up to £16/head.

The plants have responded with cuts of 15p and 20p to 620p/kg, making a lamb worth £136.40 at the 22kg weight limit.

In Gortin, prices reached 537p/kg for 24.2kg at £130. Top price per head was £136.50 or 485p/kg for 28.1kg.

Lambs at 22kg made £114 or 518p/kg, with 20.3kg at £104 or 512p/kg.

In Kilrea, 800 lambs sold from 535p to 553p/kg, well down on last week. The 553p was for 23.5kg at £130.

Texels at 21kg made £116 or 552p, with 22.5kg at £120 or 533p/kg.

Lambs took a knock in Markethill, where a small show of 650 fat lambs made from 520p to 564p/kg, down by 80p on last week. The 564p was for 22kg at £124, with 560p for 21.6kg at £121. Heavier lambs sold from £125 to £138, the latter for 26.7kg half-weight.

Good-quality store lambs made 570p to 640p for 15kg at £96, with 635p for 17.8k at £113 and 18.8k at £119 or 633p/head

In Ballymena, heavies from 26.5kg to 28.5kg made £138. Lambs at 23.5kg made £136.50 or 581p/kg and £135 or 574p/kg.

Fat ewes

Apart from exceptional lots, the trade for fat ewes is easier. In Gortin, the very best fat ewes made from £230 to £270, with others from £130 to £160.

In Markethill, good-quality ewes made from £120 to £170, with plainer sorts from £60 to £120.

In Rathfriland, the top was £170/head.