There is a further strengthening in the finished cattle trade this week, with factories putting another 2p/kg on their quotes. The best quote is at 326p/kg for steers and heifers.

But the reality is that much more is available, especially to regular suppliers, with deals for in-spec heifers continuing to be done into the low-340s.

However, reports suggest that where heifers might be over a 360kg to 380kg weight limit, the deductions can be severe.

On steers, most deals continue to be in the mid-330s, although farmers are pushing for more. Numbers are tight and with factories keen to fulfil Christmas orders, there is no waiting list and farmers are in a position to negotiate on price.

Last week saw the biggest lift in actual prices paid this year to date.

Across all steers, prices were up over 4p/kg to average 322.96p/kg, while heifers were up 2.5p/kg to average 326.57p/kg. U3 grading steers averaged 331.5p/kg, while U3 heifers were at 338.1p/kg. Despite that, prices are still 25p/kg behind what was being paid this time last year.

In Britain, tighter numbers are also starting to have a positive impact on the trade. However, across the better conformation grades, the gap between prices paid in NI and those in Britain has narrowed and is generally less than 10p/kg in most cases.

As a result, no cattle moved last week from NI to Britain for direct slaughter, although 91 head (mostly cows) came in the opposite direction. In addition, 309 cattle (mostly steers) were brought in from ROI.

Cow trade

The quotes for fat cows are steady at the plants this week. The best quote for an R grade cow is at 260p/kg, with an O+3 grade cow at 250p/kg. Next best is at 255p and 245p/kg respectively.

In terms of prices paid, last week R3 cows averaged 271.7p/kg, up over 5p/kg on the previous week. R4 grades averaged 267.7p/kg, with O4s at 250.4p/kg.

Lamb trade

The lamb trade continues to move up this week and factories are quoting 380p/kg for 22kg deadweight. This puts the value of a lamb at £83.60.

Prices paid in the marts are strong, with prices up by 10p to 13p/kg and by more for lighter lambs.

In Kilrea, 500 lambs made from 340p to 397p/kg, up by 10p/kg for heavier lambs.

Massereene had a show of 968 lambs making from 340p to 380p/kg, up by 10p/kg for heavier lambs and by 30p for lighter sorts.

In Saintfield, 710 lambs made from 322p to 422p/kg, no change on last week.

Rathfriland had a show of 700 lambs and another sharp trade. Lambs made from 336p to 445p/kg, and averaged 360p/kg, up by 13p.

In Lisahally, good in-spec lambs made £83 for 25kg. The top price was £91.50 for top-quality E grade lambs at 28kg.

Ewes

The fat ewe trade is firm, with improved top prices. The top in Omagh was £90, while Swatragh sold to £150/head. In Kilrea, the top was £92 and in Massereene was £87. In Saintfield, the top was £122; and Rathfriland was £102/head.

Store lambs are a strong trade. In Ballymena, the best Texels sold to £79/head, with Suffolks to £76. Mules sold to £75.50 and Charollais to £71.50; with Blackface to £68.