This is a subscriber-only article
Cattle quotes have come under pressure again this week, with plants taking a further 4p/kg off base price.
This brings U-3 grading animals to a top quote of 372p/kg for U-3 grading animals.
But while quotes have eased, it is not being applied rigidly across the board.
Farmers with smaller numbers are finding it harder to bargain on price and reports indicate that animals are moving off farm in the mid-370p/kg price range.
Angus cattle in particular have seen factory prices easing back below 400p/kg once premiums are applied to official base quotes
Cuts in base quotes have been successful in bringing cattle sold through premium breed schemes back in line with conventional prices.
Angus cattle in particular have seen factory prices easing back below 400p/kg once premiums are applied to official base quotes.
However, while quotes are down, most farmers killing cattle this week indicate little change to factory prices, with cattle agents still keen to ring fence supplies for the weeks ahead.
Prices
The majority of reports put in-spec steers on 382p to 386p/kg with heifers edging upwards to 390p/kg.
There are still reports from regular finishers of 392p/kg being paid for in-spec animals, although this generally includes premiums or relates to butcher-type heifers.
Steer prices eased slightly, with U3 grading animals down 0.3p to an average of 387.7p/kg
Cattle agents are better placed to manage throughput as supplies of finished cattle have increased, but finishers are still able to offload animals for slaughter without any delay.
Last week, the average price paid across all grades of steers and heifers averaged 376.6p/kg, which was down 0.17p/kg on the previous week.
Steer prices eased slightly, with U3 grading animals down 0.3p to an average of 387.7p/kg. There was a bigger price correction on U3 heifers, dropping 2.5p to 390.4p/kg. Young bulls slipped 5p to 374.3p/kg for U3 animals.
Cows
The trade for cull cows is holding firm, with the top quotes for R3 animals on 275p/kg, while O+3 cows remain on 265p/kg.
However, factory agents are eager for numbers and deals of 300p to 310p/kg remain on offer for good-quality animals.
NI sheep: hogget trade continues to strengthen
Buying demand for fat hoggets continues to grow in the live ring, with prices rising by 20p/kg and more.
Factory quotes have also increased by 20p to 550p/kg, making hoggets worth £121 at the 22kg weight limit.
In Kilrea, a strong trade returned prices from 500p to 568p/kg, up 13p/kg for heavier lamb. Hoggets at 27kg made £128, 24kg at £119 and 22kg made £118.50. Dorset spring lambs at 23kg made £123.50.
A strong trade in Saintfield saw prices of 486p to 530p/kg, up 16p/kg for heavier hoggets
In Massereene, prices ranged from 500p to 533p/kg, up 20p/kg on last week. Heavy hoggets at 26kg made £132, with 24kg to £126 and 21kg at £105.
A strong trade in Saintfield saw prices of 486p to 530p/kg, up 16p/kg for heavier hoggets. Top price was £127 for 25kg, with £124 for 24kg and £110 for 21kg.
In Rathfriland, prices ranged from 495p to 557p/kg. Sale average was 513p/kg, up 20p on the week. In Ballymena, store Texel hoggets sold to £98.
Ewes
Fat ewes remain a strong trade, with Kilrea selling to £166. In Massereene, Texels sold to £120, Charollais to £115, Suffolks to £111 and Mules to £103. In Saintfield, ewes made £145, with a big run from £100 to £128 a head. In Rathfriland, top was £188.
SHARING OPTIONS: