With the UK moving into a strict nationwide lockdown, retail sales of fresh beef are expected to increase and, with this, demand for cattle is growing.

Farmers with in-spec cattle to sell are in a strong position and with cattle agents keen to secure numbers, they are much more flexible on price.

While base quotes remain unchanged on 366p to 368p/kg for U-3 grading animals, they fall well short of what is currently on offer.

Farmers report 380p/kg is widely available on in-spec steers and heifers, even where limited numbers are being offloaded.

More regular finishers indicate that deals are extending upwards to 390p/kg this week, with farmers saying they are being contacted by agents from different plants such is the competition for stock at present.

Young bulls are moving in the low- to mid-370p/kg range for animals meeting age and carcase weight limits, as are some Angus animals before premiums are applied.

Last week, the average price paid across all grades of steers and heifers was 371.45p/kg, up 3p/kg on the previous week.

There were no cattle imported from south of the border for direct slaughter at local plants

The average price paid on U3 steers rose by 6p to 383.2p/kg. Heifers at the same grade averaged 384.7p/kg, a rise of almost 7p/kg on the week, with the large majority of last week’s kill sourced from larger finishing units.

During the same week last year, U3 steers and heifers averaged 351p/kg, meaning cattle are currently worth an additional £122 on a 360kg carcase.

There were no cattle imported from south of the border for direct slaughter at local plants.

But during 2020, imports of Irish cattle totalled 21,056, a sharp increase on the 13,400 imported in 2019 and 7,375 during 2018.

Cows

Quotes for cull cows remain on 270p/kg for R3 grading animals, but, as with prime cattle, this falls well short of price deals on offer.

Farmers with good-quality beef-bred cows report deals anywhere from 300p to 320p/kg on offer.

Lamb trade

The trade for fat lambs is strengthening, with factory quotes increasing by 15p/kg to 490p/kg.

This makes a lamb worth £107.80 at the 22kg weight limit. Mart prices are also improving, with well-fed Beltex lambs making £119 in Lisahally.

The trade in Kilrea was strong, ranging from 448p to 497p/kg. Prices increased by up to £5/head.

The top price of £112 was paid for lambs at 26kg and 27kg

Heavy lambs at 28kg made £116, with lambs at 26.5kg making £113.50 and 22kg at £105.50. Fed lambs at 21kg made £96/head.

In Massereene, prices ranged from 440p to 486p/kg. In Saintfield, prices ranged from 440p to 502p/kg.

The top price of £112 was paid for lambs at 26kg and 27kg. Lambs at 23kg made £105, with 22kg at £101.Store lambs at 18kg made £89/head.

In Rathfriland, the price range was from 432p to 500p/kg, with a sale average of 450p/kg.

Ewes

The trade for fat ewes remains strong, with bids in excess of £100 for fleshed lots.

Kilrea sold ewes to £158, with Massereene selling to £141. In Saintfield, ewes made £99 to £116, with a top price of £118. In Rathfriland, top price was £174.

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