Several beef processors have added 2p/kg to base prices midweek, narrowing the gap between quotes and actual prices being paid.

This leaves the range of quotes for U-3 grading animals on 332p to 338p/kg, although most plants are working at the upper end of quotes for prime cattle.

Cattle agents indicate that there is a better supply of prime cattle coming on to the market compared with previous weeks, due to the increased availability of suckler-bred bulls that were born last spring.

As such, the general consensus is that the beef trade is relatively steady, with any price increases being marginal. Price deals being offered are similar to last week.

Plants are opening on 338p for young bulls, but 340p/kg is being paid for bigger numbers and farmers are faring best on bulls with carcase weights below 400kg.

Steers are moving from 340p to 344p/kg, depending on the number of animals being offloaded, with more regular finishers faring best when negotiating on price.

Heifers are still moving 4p to 6p/kg ahead of steers, which is putting animals on 346p/kg, rising to 350p/kg for more regular finishers with supply agreements in place.

Last week, the average price paid on steers and heifers increased by 0.9p/kg to 337.14p/kg, reflecting the gradual hardening in the beef trade.

The average price paid on U3 steers was static on 342.6p/kg, with U3 heifers also holding steady on 346.5p/kg. An improving beef trade in the Republic has stemmed the flow of slaughter cattle northwards, with 162 head imported by NI plants last week, the lowest import figure since mid-March.

Cows

Supplies of good-quality cows are limited and processors are more flexible on prices being offered. Quotes for R grade cows are on a base of 265p/kg, but deals of 10p to 20p/kg above base are available. O+3 cows are on a base of 245p to 255p/kg.

Lamb trade

The fat lamb trade remains in a depressed state, as demand in the live trade from agents working for southern plants has tailed off significantly. This is feeding through to the local factory quotes, which are down by 50p/kg to 420p, making a lamb worth £88.20 at the 21kg weight limit.

In Kilrea, 300 lambs sold from 387p to 400p/kg. In Massereene, 417 lambs sold from 385p to 420p/kg. Lambs at 22.5kg made £91 and £90, with 21kg at £85 and 20kg at £81. Heavy lambs were a poorer trade, with 25kg making £92 and £91, while a better pen at 23.5kg made £94.

In Saintfield, 203 lambs made 367p to 400p/kg and in Rathfriland, 325 lambs made from 347p to 395p/kg and averaged 381p/kg.

Ewes

The fat ewe trade is stronger, with prices up by £10/head. Omagh sold to a top of £106 and in Swatragh, top was £116. In Massereene, the top was £100 for Texels and £92 for Suffolks. Saintfield sold to a top of £95 and Rathfriland to £110.

Breeding sheep are a good trade. In Ballymena, good ewes with twins made from £155 to £198 for the outfit. The two best Texels, each with twins, made the top prices of £218 and £230.

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