Base factory quotes given to the Irish Farmers Journal show no change and the best quote is at 614p for U-3 grade steers and heifers.

The actual deals on offer to farmers continue to start around the mid-640p mark, with more going for regular suppliers and butcher-type heifers.

Numbers remain relatively tight and that has helped keep the market unchanged. However, some factory agents report prime beef sales are a bit slow, so they are not pushing to secure extra cattle.

ADVERTISEMENT

Last week, the prices paid for U and R grades edged up, with U3 steers averaging 649.1p/kg and R3 grades at 644.8p/kg.

U3 heifers were up 0.6p/kg to 650.5p/kg, which is the first time they have crossed the 650p mark since early December 2025.

Over that period, the lowest weekly average was at 647.2p.kg, which highlights just how steady the trade has been over the last two months.

The trade in the Republic of Ireland is also steady, which generally leaves U and R grades about 20p/kg behind NI.

That relatively small price gap has ensured imports remain subdued, with 236 cattle coming in last week for direct slaughter in NI, which is the lowest weekly total so far this year. Just 18 cattle were sent in the opposite direction.

However, in Britain, there continues to be some downward pressure for prime cattle.

Last week, the average price paid for U-3 steers in Britain was down 6.5p at 645.5p/kg, with R3 grades down 3.7p at 644.1p/kg.

Overall, it means there is very little difference in prices paid between NI and Britain.

Reports suggest the lower prices in Britain are mainly due to increased imports of cheap Australian striploins coming into the food service sector and undermining the market for local product.

Cows

The quotes for fat cows are steady at the plants and the best quote for an O+ cow is at 506p/kg. Much more is available for R grading types, with R3 cows averaging 550.9p/kg last week and R4s at 559.8p/kg.

It is a similar picture in Britain, where cow prices edged up last week, reflecting a continued strong market for manufacturing beef.

NI sheep: lift in hogget trade

A firm trade in the marts for hoggets has continued this week.

The plants have increased quotes to 630p/kg for both 22kg and 22.5kg deadweight, the latter adding £4.50/head to returns.

A strong trade in Gortin saw prices reaching £159 for 29kg or 548p/kg. Hoggets at 25.6kg made £151.50 or 591p/kg, with 24.3kg at £144 or 592p/kg.

Kilrea had a much sharper trade, with 700 hoggets selling from 594p to 675p/kg, up by 44p for heavier sorts. The 675p was for 20kg at £135, with 671p for 21kg at £141. Heavier hoggets made from £148 to £160.

In Markethill, a firmer trade saw 630 hoggets making up to 620p/kg for 22.3kg at £138. Hoggets at 24kg sold for £141.50 or 590p/kg.

Stores were a good trade, making to 643p/kg for 18.2kg at £117.

In Saintfield, 640 hoggets made from 575p to 670p/kg. The heaviest hoggets from 25kg to 28kg sold for £143 to £150/head.

In Ballymena, the trade was strong. Hoggets at 21.5kg made £145 or 674p/kg, with 23.5kg at £153.50 or 653p/kg.

Fat ewes

In Gortin, the best ewes made £234, with others from £176 to £226.

In Kilrea, the top was £214.

In Markethill, fat ewes made from £150 to £235.

In Saintfield, top Texels sold for £200 and £210, with a run from £150 to £188.