Base quotes for fat cattle in the plants are generally steady this week, with most factory agents quoting 620p/kg for U-3 grading steers and heifers, although others have their quotes as high as 628p/kg, up 8p/kg on last week.

That upward momentum is also seen in what is being paid, with starting prices of 640p/kg and above for U-3 cattle more readily available this week to regular suppliers.

Numbers of finished cattle remain tight, although given the July bank holidays, it might be next week before that really begins to bite.

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Last week, prices paid across all steers were up 1.9p/kg to average 630.5p/kg.

U3 grades averaged 641.4p/kg, which was just 0.1p more than the previous week. Across all heifers, the average price paid was virtually unchanged at 628.7p/kg, although U3 grades were up 7.6p to average 642.7p/kg.

The beef market in Britain is also trending upwards, with the prices paid for steers generally up by 3p to 6p/kg last week across various grades. The average for U-3 grading steers was up 3.1p at 649.4p/kg.

The same U-3 grading heifer was up by 1.6p to average 655.4p/kg, although Scotland jumped over 5p to a price paid of 662p/kg.

In local marts the prices on offer around the rings suggest there is still a lot of confidence in the overall beef trade.

In Ballymena on Tuesday, heavy bullocks at 630kg made £2,460 with 590kg at £2,350 and 610kg at £2,380.

Heifers at 680kg made £2,900 with 710kg at £2,800 and 640kg at £2,400.

Even after assuming a high kill-out, 710kg at £2,800 equates to a finished beef price around the 670p/kg mark.

Cows

Fat cow quotes at NI plants are steady this week ranging from 514p to 540p for an O+ cow. Significantly more is available for good suckler types, with deals around the 570p/kg mark.

In the marts, at Beatties Draperstown, a fat cow at 900kg made £3,168 or 352p/kg with 930kg at £3,162 or 340p/kg and 730kg at £2,379 or 326p and 700kg at £2,268 or 324p/kg.

Even assuming a high kill-out, these prices equate to a factory cow trade well over the 600p/kg mark.

NI sheep: new life in NI lamb trade

The sale in Ballymena this week had a very strong trade, with cross-channel buyers bidding prices in the range of 680p to 719p/kg half-weight.

The plants are at 670p/kg deadweight, making a lamb worth £140.70 at the 21kg limit.

In Lisahally on Tuesday of last week, lambs at 25kg made £166 or 664p/kg, followed by 27.5kg at £162 or 589p/kg.

Next best was 25kg at £161, 644p, with 25.8kg at £153, 593p. Lighter lambs at 21.5kg made £136.50, 634p/kg.

In Gortin, very strong prices were bid for heavier lambs, with 24kg making £189 or 787p/kg, followed by 28kg at £182 or 650p/kg. Lambs at 26.4kg made £168 or 636p/kg, with 25.1kg at £165 or 657p/kg.

Lighter lambs under 23kg made from £120 to £142/head for weights from 19.3kg to 22.7kg at or close to 630p/kg.

In Ballymena on Wednesday morning, top prices paid by cross-channel buyers ranged from 709p to 727p/kg for lambs at 22kg and 22.5kg and from £158 to £163/head. For lambs at 22.5kg to 25kg, prices ranged from 650p to 700p/kg.

The few heavies on offer included 28kg making £181 or 646p/kg. Light lambs at 19kg made £125.60 or 666p.

Fat ewes

In Lisahally, the top ewe made £212, with a run from £162 to £206/head.

In Gortin, the best ewes made £270 and £300, with a run from £180 to £248.