Beef prices are holding firm this week, as supplies continue to show signs that numbers are tightening.

The drive to source cattle for Christmas is more or less finished as of this weekend, but processing demand remains solid across the UK.

Farmers offloading cattle indicate there is still a sense of urgency among factory agents about supplies and animals are able to move for slaughter within a few days from booking.

Official quotes remain on 428p/kg for U-3 grading animals. Some plants are working below this quote to keep a lid on the prices paid for cattle under premium breed schemes.

Prices are on par with last week, with steers on 442p/kg, although there are reports of 444p/kg on offer for a good supply of in-spec animals. Some are availing of free transport in lieu of higher prices.

Heifers are also holding firm, with prices opening on 446p/kg and rising upwards to 450p/kg for more regular finishers. Young bulls are generally moving between 432p/kg and 436p/kg.

Marts have seen new life injected into the live trade on the back of a downturn in numbers and an increase in buying demand from specialist finishers.

Good-quality short-keep and slaughter-fit animals are returning prices of 250p to 280p/kg. Where farmers are struggling to negotiate higher returns and herds are not under movement restrictions, the live ring offers a strong alternative outlet for good-quality cattle.

Last week, the average price paid across steers and heifers of all conformations rose by 0.5p to 429.8p/kg.

On U3 animals, steers increased by 0.9p/kg to average 442.2p/kg, with heifers up 2.1p/kg to average 447.3p/kg. Young bulls slipped 1p/kg and averaged 432.5p/kg.

Cows

Some reports indicate the supply of cows is on the turn and sourcing young, suckler-bred animals is getting more difficult.

Quotes remain on 350p/kg for R3 animals, with deals running between 360p/kg and 370p/kg for good-quality cows.

NI sheep: ROI plants driving lamb trade

The mart trade started the week positively, with little change in price. Local factories are trying to keep a grip on prices and eased quotes by 5p to 525p/kg, making lambs worth £115.50 for 22kg deadweight.

However, deals of 550p to 560p/kg were widely available midweek for meal-fed lambs, as local factories compete with buyers from southern factories.

In Kilrea, 1,080 lambs sold from 472p to 532p/kg, no change on last week. Lambs at 21kg made £107, 22kg to £111, 23kg to £115, 24kg to £120, with 25kg at £118.

Massereene sold 602 lambs from 490p to 514p/kg, no change on last week. Lambs at 24kg made £123 and £121, heavy lots at 30kg made £125, with 26.5kg at £122.50.

Saintfield sold 785 lambs from 480p to 530p/kg, down 15p/kg for heavier lots. Heavy lambs at 26kg made £124, 24kg to £120 and 22kg selling to £110. The best light lambs at 21kg made £107, with 20kg at £106.

Rathfriland sold 772 lambs from 470p to 523p/kg, with the sale average on 485p/kg, down by 15p/kg.

In Ballymena, good crossbred lambs at 24.5kg made £122, with 24kg at £123. Blackface lambs at 25.5kg made £118. Store lambs are a firm trade, with Texels making £99 to £103.

Ewes

Fat ewes are steady. In Kilrea, top price was £158. Massereene sold ewes to £149 for Texels, with Suffolks and Hampshires at £120.

In Saintfield, top prices were £166 and £150, with others on £100 to £144. In Rathfriland, ewes sold to £298.

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