Quotes for fat cattle show no change and the best quote is at 614p for U-3 grading steers and heifers.

There is also little change to the actual prices on offer to regular suppliers, with deals in the mid-640s and slightly more going for larger numbers.

While cattle numbers remain relatively tight, agents are finding it slightly easier to meet their needs, with factories well booked into next week.

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The steady trade is reflected in the prices paid last week.

U3 steers were up 0.1p/kg at 647.8p/kg, with R3s down just 0.3p at 644.1p/kg. U3 heifers were up 2.1p at 649.9p/kg.

It is a similar picture in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), where prices are generally steady on the back of reasonably strong demand from agents to secure numbers.

ROI trade remains around 20p to 30p/kg behind NI, depending on grade. However, the gap between NI and Britain continues to narrow.

Prices paid across the Irish Sea edged down again last week, which has left U grades about 5p/kg better off in Britain, but negligible gaps for Rs.

Kill numbers

The total cattle kill last week in NI was 9,885 head, which is the highest since mid-December.

That included 2,571 cows, which is the highest so far this year, but similar to what was seen in the last quarter of 2025 – there is no evidence as yet to suggest dairy farmers are starting a major offload of cull cows in response to lower milk prices.

Imports

The trade in cattle coming in from the south for slaughter last week was 303 head, which was up marginally on the previous week. Trade in the opposite direction was 23 head, and none went to the kill in Britain.

Cows

The quotes for fat cows are also steady at local factories, with the best for an O+ cow at 506p/kg.

The prices paid for cows in NI and Britain have strengthened over the last couple of weeks, highlighting robust demand for manufacturing beef.

Across all cows, the price paid in NI was up 4p to average 495p/kg.

Starting deals for R grades remain around the 550p/kg mark.

NI sheep: hogget trade steadier midweek

The trade in the marts for hoggets has been variable this week, but was firmer at some sales by Wednesday.

The plants have reduced quotes by 10p to 620p/kg for 22kg and to 610p for 22.5kg, taking over £2/head off returns.

In Gortin, prices reached £165 for 40kg or 410p/kg. Hoggets at 25kg made £138 or 534p/kg with 24kg at £137 or 552p/kg.

In Kilrea, 500 hoggets sold from 550p to 583p/kg, down by 20p for heavier sorts. The 583p was for 21kg at £122.50, with 577p for 23.5kg at £135.50.

Heavier hoggets made from £140 to £145.

In Markethill, a slightly firmer trade saw 700 hoggets making up to 622p/kg for 21.7kg at £135, with 618p for 22kg at £136. Heavier hoggets sold from £140 to £145/head.

Stores were a good trade, making from 544p to 598p/kg for 19.4kg at £116.

In Ballymena, the trade was sharper. Hoggets at 22kg made £133 or 605p/kg, with 23kg at £146.50 or 637p/kg. Heavy hoggets at 27kg made £147.50.

Fat ewes

In Gortin, the best Texel ewes made £264, with others from £180 to £242.

In Swatragh, the top was £268 and in Kilrea, it was £170.

In Markethill, top ewes made from £200 to £222, with others from £140 to £198.