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Strong demand for prime beef from UK retailers continues to underpin finished cattle prices. While some plants remain on a quote of 376p/kg for U-3 grading animals, other plants that were on lower quotes last week have now moved to match the outlined base price.
Supplies of cattle are finely balanced and just running short of demand, although cattle agents indicate they did find it easier to source animals this week.
Farmers offloading stock indicate that plants are taking cattle within 24 hours of being booked for slaughter, such is the demand for numbers at present.
Deals similar to previous weeks are still on offer, with reports that 380p/kg is widely available as a starting price.
Reports on young bulls indicate price deals around 384p/kg have been offered for animals killing below 400kg carcase weight and coming direct from the farm of origin.
Farmers with bigger numbers to offload have reported deals in the region of 394p/kg being paid for butcher-type animals
Reports indicate that in-spec steers are moving off farm from 382p to 384p/kg for smaller numbers, rising to 388p/kg for more regular finishers with bigger supplies available.
Deals on heifers indicate that 388p/kg is widely available.
Farmers with bigger numbers to offload have reported deals in the region of 394p/kg being paid for butcher-type animals.
Finishers that can offer cattle on a regular supply over the coming weeks report a similar picture, as cattle agents are keen to secure throughput.
Cattle supplied under breed schemes are moving off farm in line with official base quotes before premiums apply.
Last week, the average price paid across all grades of steers and heifers rose by 5p to 372.61p/kg.
For U3 grading steers, the average price rose by 6.1p to 384.7p/kg, with U3 grading heifers recording a jump of almost 7p/kg to an average of 388.4p/kg.
Cows
Processing demand for cull cows is solid and quotes for R3 animals remain on 275p/kg, with deals in the region of 290p to 300p/kg remains and higher prices available for U grading animals.
Hogget trade
Factory quotes increased by 10p to 540p/kg, making hoggets worth £118.80 at the 22kg carcase limit.
After a steady start, mart prices for hoggets eased midweek, with Kilrea selling from 493p to 540p, little changed from last week.
Heavy hoggets at 28.5kg made £128.50, with 26.5kg making £125.50 to £129 and 22kg making £110 to £114.50.
In Massereene, prices ranged from 500p to 585p/kg, little change on last week.
In Saintfield, prices ranged from 454p to 520p/kg, down 30p/kg on the week. Top price was £122 for 26kg, with 22kg to 23kg lots making £110 to £115.
In Rathfriland, prices ranged from 465p to 571p, with a sale average of 480p/kg, down 43p/kg on the week.
Texel and Mule stores sold to £86 at Ballymena, with Cheviots and Suffolks to £81.
Ewes
The ewe trade remains strong, with Kilrea selling to £152 and Massereene selling to £138. A great trade in Saintfield saw a top price of £134 and the main run from £102 to £130. In Rathfriland, top price was £166.
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