Broken weather has led to ground conditions deteriorating around the province. As a result, cattle agents report growing numbers of grass-finished cattle coming on to the market and this is affecting beef price.

In addition, some plants are closed on Monday with the bank holiday, although plants working on a four-day week will remain open.

With more cattle available, processors are able to manage throughput and several plants have moved to reduce base quotes by 2p to 4p/kg. This puts U3 steers on a base of 322p, with heifers working from a starting price of 324p/kg.

Improved price deals are on offer, with steers typically moving from 326p to 328p/kg, with 330p/kg on offer to more regular finishers.

Heifers are moving from 328p to 332p/kg, with larger finishers faring better. There have been isolated reports of 340p/kg being paid at the top end of the market, but this is restricted to butcher-type heifers being bought to order.

The number of young bulls coming on to the market is declining and with more grass-finished animals available, prices for bulls have come under pressure, with little more than 320p to 322p/kg being reported.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers was static on 325.74p/kg, with the average price paid on U3 steers averaging 331.2p/kg, down 2p/kg on the previous week.

In contrast, the average price paid on U3 grading heifers was steady on 338.6p/kg, with bulls averaging 324.2p/kg.

The weekly kill increased by 464 head to 8,285 last week. The steer kill increased by more than 600 head to 3,035, with bulls down by approximately 200 head.

Cows

While quotes on cows are relatively steady, deals above base price have eased. Quotes on R3 animals remain on 260p/kg, with O+3 animals on 245p to 255p/kg. Last week, R3 cows averaged 274p/kg, with O+3 animals on 256p/kg.

Lamb trade

Lamb quotes are unchanged at processing plants this week. The best quote is 375p/kg, with 370p/kg elsewhere. This makes a lamb worth £78.75 at the 21kg carcase limit. In the marts, prices being paid were 5p to 10p/kg lower on the previous week.

In Kilrea, 550 lambs sold from 327p to 375p/kg, down by 5p/kg for the main weight range.

In Massereene, 1,066 lambs sold from 340p to 360p/kg, down by 10p/kg for heavier sorts.

In Saintfield, 711 lambs sold from 320p to 370p/kg, down slightly for the main weight range.

Rathfriland had a show of 1,067 lambs making from 318p to 381p/kg. Lambs averaged 342p/kg, down 8p/kg on last week.

In Lisahally, the trade was easier, with big numbers on offer. Lambs sold from £73 to £74, with a top price of £78.

Ewes

Ewe prices have eased back a little, with fewer animals making three-figure prices. The top price in Omagh was £96. Swatragh sold to a top of £138 for 750 sold. In Massereene, top price was £90 for 210 sold and in Saintfield, the top was £93. In Rathfriland, top price was £105 for 200 head sold.

Store lambs in Ballymena made £69 to £70/head for Blackface and from £64 to £68/head for the top Suffolks, Texels and Mules.

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