After a brief period of respite earlier this month, the beef trade is once again coming under downward price pressure.

Cattle agents indicate that more farmers are looking to offload cattle, as grass growth is tailing off rapidly.

Other reports indicate that, due to market uncertainty, there are also farmers looking to move heavier cattle earlier, rather than risk lower prices in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

With supplies of finished cattle coming on to the market starting to exceed demand, processors are able to secure adequate numbers with greater ease.

Several plants have moved to cut base quotes by 2p/kg this week. This leaves the range of quotes on U-3 grading animals on 316p to 320p/kg.

Farmers selling cattle this week are finding it harder to negotiate on price. Most reports indicate that there is little more than 2p to 4p/kg over base price on steers, which sees most animals moving from 324p to 326p/kg.

More regular sellers with bigger numbers have managed to secure up to 328p/kg. Heifers are faring better, but indications are that prices are down significantly on previous weeks.

Most reports have heifers moving from a base of 326p/kg, with higher prices mainly limited to larger finishers on supply agreements.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers fell by 2.8p to 322.94p/kg, with U3 steers down 1p to 330.1p/kg.

The average price paid on U3 heifers fell sharply to 333.7p/kg, down 5p/kg on the previous week.

Local prices are still running ahead of the EU average, which put U3 steers on 328.1p/kg and U3 heifers on 331.7p/kg last week.

Cow trade

The cow trade is starting to slow as the availability of animals starts to increase. Base quotes have eased slightly, with one plant cutting its base by 5p/kg. Official quotes for O+3 cows remain on 250p, with R3 cows on 260p/kg.

Lamb trade

Processing plants have moved to cut base quotes on lambs this week. The best quote is 370p/kg, with 360p/kg elsewhere. This makes a lamb worth £77.70 at the 21kg carcase limit. The trade in the marts is generally steady, but marts saw a slightly easier trade

In Kilrea, 440 lambs sold from 328p to 370p/kg, no change on last week.

In Massereene, 1,116 lambs made from 325p to 352p/kg, down by 15p/kg for heavier lambs and 8p/kg for lighter sorts. Top price was £80.50 for 28kg and 25kg. Lambs at 22kg and 23kg made £73 to £75.50, with 21kg at £70 and £71.

In Saintfield, 566 lambs sold from 320p to 375p/kg, no change on last week.

Rathfriland had a show of 670 lambs selling from 310p to 381p/kg, with the sale averaging 334p/kg, down by 8p/kg on last week.

In Lisahally, the best lambs made £80 with a big run at £74 to £76.

Ewes

Ewe prices are generally easier, but well-fleshed lowland ewes are still making a good price. The top price in Omagh was £90. Swatragh sold ewes to a top price of £108 for 600 sold. In Massereene, the top price was £90 for Suffolks, £88 for Charollais, £77 for Mules and £55 for Blackface. In Saintfield, top price was £110 and in Rathfriland, top price was £95 for 200 head sold.

Store lambs in Ballymena made from £65.50 to £71 for the best Texels. Suffolks made to £65 and Charollais to £64.50.

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