Base quotes for fat cattle show no change this week, leaving the best quote at 614p/kg for U-3 grading steers and heifers.

For most regular suppliers, the actual prices on offer remain around the 646p/kg mark, pushing towards 650p/kg for larger numbers.

Reports suggest cattle numbers remain reasonably tight and that is helping to keep the trade on a steady footing.

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While no one can accurately predict where prices will go in the weeks ahead, it is still surprising to see some light cattle, which kill out at under 300kg, being presented to factories. These animals should either be retained for feeding or sold as stores.

Last week, the price paid for U3 steers was down 0.8p to average 647.9p/kg, with R3s down 0.9p at 644.4p/kg. U3 heifers were up 0.6p at 647.8p/kg.

Across all steers and heifers, the price paid averaged 642.2p/kg, down 1p/kg.

Prices are also back slightly in Britain, mainly due to prices paid in the north of England falling into line with other English regions.

However, there was a small lift in Scottish prices, which has taken the trade there slightly ahead of England.

When compared with NI, the trade in Britain is only around 10p/kg ahead for U and R grades.

In the Republic of Ireland, the beef market is generally steady, with numbers still relatively tight.

Prices south of the border are generally around 20p/kg below those in NI.

That price gap has encouraged a few more Irish cattle north for direct slaughter in NI.

The trade in cattle coming in from the south for slaughter last week was 296 head, up from 254 in the previous week. Trade in the opposite direction was 24 head and none went to the kill in Britain.

Cows

The quotes for fat cows are also steady, with the best for an O+ cow at 505p/kg.

The average price paid for R grades last week was down slightly to sit at just under 550p/kg.

However, reports suggest there is good demand for dairy culls to help maintain factory throughput.

Last week, the price paid for P2 grades was up 5.4p at 492.3p/kg, with P3 grades up 3.5p at 508.5p/kg.

NI sheep: prices ease for hoggets in NI

The trade in the marts for hoggets has eased this week.

The plants have reduced quotes by 20p to 630p/kg, making a hogget worth £138.60 at the 22kg weight limit.

In Gortin, prices reached £152 for 35kg. Hoggets at 24.3kg made £135 or 555p/kg.

In Kilrea, 800 hoggets sold from 570p to 591p/kg, the latter for 22kg at £130. Hoggets at 19.5kg made £115 or 590p, with 23.5kg at £136 or 579p/kg.

In Markethill, a slower trade saw 1,055 hoggets making from 540p to 580p, down by 50p/kg. Hoggets at 21.2kg made £123 or 580p/kg, with 21.5kg at £124 or 577p/kg.

Heavier hoggets sold from £130 to £140.

Stores were easier, making from 540p to 599p/kg for 19.2kg at £15.

Saintfield had a slower trade for 740 hoggets, making 570p to 630p/kg. Heavy Texels at 27kg made £140, with 35kg Hampshires also at £140.

In Ballymena, the trade was easier. Hoggets at 20kg made £111 or 555p/kg, with 23.5kg at £120 or 511p and 25.5kg at £131 or 514p/kg.

Fat ewes

In Gortin, the best fat ewes made £224, with others from £162 to £200/head.

In Kilrea, the top was £200.

In Markethill, top ewes made from £140 to £198, with others from £100 to £135.

The best Texels in Saintfield made £200 and £194, while in Rathfriland the top was £226.